A boy writing or drawing, seated on a fallen column before a ruined niche containing a sculptured figure of a woman

1750

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

A boy writing or drawing, seated on a fallen column before a ruined niche containing a sculptured figure of a woman is a 1750 by Gennaro Landi, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Gennaro Landi
When & what style?: 1750
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a boy sitting on broken stone blocks, drawing or writing on a small pad. Behind him, a tall, damaged column leans against a ruined wall with a carved niche. Inside the niche is a faded statue of a woman, her features worn smooth. The boy’s focus on his work contrasts with the crumbling ruins around him. The drawing uses quick, sketchy lines to show light and shadow. Look up cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.