An Italian Coast Scene
1778
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1778
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a rocky coastline with steep cliffs dropping into calm, blue water. A small boat floats near the shore, and a few buildings cling to the cliffside. The colors are soft—greens on the cliffs, pale blues in the water, and a faint haze over the distant hills. The artist used thin washes of color, letting the paper show through to keep it light. This was a common trick in watercolor work to create a dreamy look. Look up watercolor, glazing to see how this technique works.
![Looking towards Leanders Tower and the Sultans New Palace [Dolmabahçe] From Scutari](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/77513ba4e146ed32/thumb.webp)
