Landscape with Ancient Tombs

Landscape with Ancient Tombs

Agostino Mitelli

1634

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two old stone structures in a rocky landscape. One looks like a small temple with columns and figures carved into its front. The other is a tall, narrow tower with a circular window near the top. A lone tree stands between them, its branches reaching over the tower. The background has soft, cloudy hills and a faint path leading toward the buildings. The artist used quick, sketchy lines and light shading to suggest depth and texture. The paper has a warm, tan color that makes the ink stand out. If you like this style, look up cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.

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