The West Front, Amiens
1907
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1907
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a huge, detailed cathedral front. Tall towers rise on either side, packed with pointed arches, spires, and tiny carvings. The center has three big doorways, each framed by layered stonework and a circular window above. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to capture the building’s busy surfaces. The drawing feels like a quick study—light, fast strokes that still show every notch and ledge. It’s all in black and white, with no color to distract from the shapes. Want to see more of this artist’s work? Check out Pennell, Joseph.
