Artwork

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills, by Friedrich Salathé, graphite, 1818
Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills, by Friedrich Salathé, graphite, 1818

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Friedrich Salathé. It dates from 1818 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in graphite: 34

About this work

Overview

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills is a drawing created by Friedrich Salathé in 1818 using watercolor and graphite on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a weathered stone tower on a rocky hillside, surrounded by sparse vegetation and smaller structures, set against a hazy landscape.

Technique & Style

Salathé employed loose, sketchy brushstrokes to convey texture, contrasting rough stonework with softer sky renderings, and utilized muted colors to achieve a subdued effect.

Context

The work showcases the artist's use of watercolor techniques, including glazing, to capture the atmosphere of a decaying fortified structure in a natural setting.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills?

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills was painted by Friedrich Salathé in 1818.

Where can I see Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills?

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills?

Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills?

Museum-quality prints of Ruins of a Fortified Tower among Wooded Hills are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.