Cross Section of the Salon of the Palazzo Spinola, Genoa
1777
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1777
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This drawing shows a fancy room cut in half like a cake. You see two levels of shelves packed with sculptures, vases, and little statues. The walls are covered in detailed carvings and painted scenes with people and animals. Above, a big archway frames more decorations, all looking rich and old-fashioned. The tiny details—like the curled leaves on the shelves or the tiny figures in the ceiling—show how much work went into making it look grand. This was made as a blueprint-style drawing to show off the room’s design. Check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made sharp, precise lines.
