A Capriccio of Palaces and a Loggia Facing a Classical Bridge
1765
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1765
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a made-up cityscape with grand buildings and a bridge. On the left, a tall, ornate palace sits next to a smaller tower. The bridge in the middle has arches and statues along its railing. To the right, another palace with domes and columns stands by a waterfront. Ships are docked near the left building, and the whole scene looks like a mix of real and imagined architecture. The artist used thin, precise lines to build up details, especially in the buildings’ decorations. The sketch feels like a study rather than a finished work—it’s more about exploring shapes than colors. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists use lines to create shadows and depth.
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