Culemborg Castle
1647
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1647
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a castle by a waterfront. The buildings have tall, pointy roofs and thick stone walls. A small boat sits in the foreground, and the water looks calm. The whole scene is drawn in soft grays and blacks, with faint lines and shading. The artist used a mix of chalk and wash to create a quiet, atmospheric look. The castle’s round tower and the smaller houses behind it give a sense of depth, even though it’s just a sketch. Next, check out the technique: chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create mood.