Sunset over the Valley
1773
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1773
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a quiet valley at dusk. Two small figures stand on a rocky hillside, looking out over rolling hills and a distant body of water. The sky is mostly cloudy, with a few lighter patches where the sun might peek through. A lone tree with bare branches stands on the right side of the hill. The artist used soft washes of gray and brown to create a dreamy, hazy effect. The title notes the sunset, but the colors here are mostly muted—just a hint of warmth on the horizon. If you like this style, look up Baroque.