Fantasy on an Ancient Campidoglio
1770
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1770
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a grand, imaginary building with tall columns and a flat roof. In front, two statues stand on pedestals, and a fountain spills water below. The ground is crowded with tiny figures—some walking, others sitting or lying around. The sky is loose, wavy lines, and the whole scene feels like a quick, rough drawing. The artist used quick, sketchy lines and shading to fill in shapes, giving it a lively but unfinished look. This style was common in the Baroque period, where artists often worked fast to capture ideas. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.
