Repairing a Dome
1810
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1810
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows workers repairing a dome, their figures climbing scaffolding under an arched opening. The dome above is partly torn away, revealing the sky. Below, a small crowd of people stands in the shadow of the building, while a few sailboats float on the water in the distance. The artist used soft black chalk to create deep shadows and light strokes, giving the scene a rough, sketchy feel. The focus is on the effort of rebuilding, not the finished result. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark to create drama.
