Capriccio of Classical Ruins with a Fortress
1800
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1800
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Capriccio of Classical Ruins with a Fortress is a 1800 ink by Giacomo Guardi, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows old, crumbling buildings mixed with ruins. A tower with a flag stands on the left, while a larger stone structure with arches sits in the middle. People walk along a path, and a small boat floats on a river below. Trees with bare branches lean over the water, and the whole scene looks faded, like it’s been lightly colored in. The artist used loose lines and shading to suggest light and shadow without heavy detail. The ruins look ancient, but they’re actually made up—this isn’t a real place. Next, check out Guardi, Giacomo to see how he played with real and imagined scenes.
