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Palazzo Communale, Bologna

John Russell Pope

1898

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Architectural

Dominant colour

Palazzo Communale, Bologna is a 1898 graphite by John Russell Pope, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Russell Pope
When & what style?: 1898 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows three views of a building’s facade. The top view is a flat, side profile with arches and columns lining the top floor. Below, a front view highlights a grand archway supported by thick columns, with steps leading up. The bottom sketch focuses on the arch and columns in even more detail, including decorative carvings. The artist labeled it *Palazzo Communale, Bologna*, meaning this is a real town hall in Italy. The tiny handwritten notes show exact measurements, like "1/2" = 1 foot," proving this was a precise study. Next, check out Pope, John Russell to see more of his careful architectural drawings.