An Elaborate Staircase in a Palace
1740
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1740
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a grand staircase packed with swirling details. The steps curve upward between tall columns, and the walls are covered in carvings, statues, and ornate frames. Shadows and light play across the surfaces, making the stone look real. The artist used ink and wash to create depth, with lots of fine lines building up the shapes. It’s like a 3D puzzle flattened onto paper. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.
![Palatial Mantelpiece with a Scene of Ancient Sacrifice [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/6818e7e0eb258b13/thumb.webp)
