Scene in a Cave
1801
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1801
watercolor
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a dark, rocky cave with uneven walls and a low ceiling. The colors are mostly browns and grays, with a small patch of light near the top. In the bottom right corner, a tiny flame flickers next to what looks like a person’s shadow. The artist used soft, blended strokes to create a moody, mysterious feel. The light source seems to come from outside the cave, making the space feel deep and shadowy. Next, check out watercolor to see how artists use thin layers of paint to build up light and shadow.