1770
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Venetian Capriccio with Boats Unloading (recto); Figures among Ruins (verso) is a 1770 chalk by Francesco Guardi, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a busy waterfront scene with a mix of grand architecture and boats. On the left, a tall archway and crumbling walls suggest an old city, while on the right, ships are docked and people are unloading goods. The buildings in the background have domes and towers, giving a sense of a bustling port. The drawing is loose and quick, with lots of movement and activity. The paper has a faint brown wash, giving it a soft, aged look. The artist used ink and chalk to create different tones and textures, making the scene feel lively yet a little faded. Next, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build depth with lines like these.
Francesco Lazzaro Guardi (Italian pronunciation: ; 5 October 1712 – 1 January 1793) was an Italian painter, nobleman, and a member of the Venetian School.
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