The Avenue of Cypresses at Villa d'Este
1760
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1760
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Avenue of Cypresses at Villa d'Este is a 1760 ink by Jean Honoré Fragonard, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a narrow path lined with tall, spiky cypress trees. In the distance, a grand building with columns sits atop wide steps. A few tiny figures walk along the path, and a small stream runs beside it. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to capture the trees and shadows. The wash of brown ink gives it a soft, faded look. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.
