Artwork
Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden

Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Adolph Menzel. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower right: A.M.; in later hand, lower left verso: Ad. von Menzel.; lower right verso: Coll. vR.v.M. / 1910
- Markings
- Marked:BS: R (Lugt undescribed)
About this work
Overview
Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden is a graphite drawing created by Adolph Menzel in 1860. The work exemplifies Menzel's skill as a draftsman and his attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a serene garden scene, with stone steps winding between walls, rendered in soft light. The level of detail suggests that the scene is based on a real location, reflecting Menzel's practice of drawing from observation.
Technique & Style
Menzel achieved a high level of texture and depth in the drawing through the use of tiny, careful lines, creating the illusion of etched metal. The shading on the steps and surrounding elements gives the scene a sense of volume and realism.
History & Provenance
Adolph Menzel was a prominent figure in 19th-century German art, known for his drawings, etchings, and paintings. He was later recognized for his contributions with a knighthood in 1898.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel (8 December 1815 – 9 February 1905) was a German Realist artist noted for drawings, etchings, and paintings.


















