Fountain of the Virgin, Nazareth

About this work

This sketch shows a busy scene near a stone fountain in a dry, rocky area. People in simple robes and head coverings carry jars, walk with staffs, or sit on the ground. Some stand talking, while others tend to animals or fill containers. The background has a few trees and a low wall, with a hazy sky above. Notice how the artist uses light and shadow to show depth, even though it’s a sketch. The figures’ loose, flowing clothes and the rough terrain suggest a warm, dusty place. Look up Romanticism next to see how artists like this one used travel scenes to tell stories.