Artwork
A Selection of Twenty of the Most Picturesque Views in Paris: View of the City with the Louvre taken from the Pont Marie
A Selection of Twenty of the Most Picturesque Views in Paris: View of the City with the Louvre taken from the Pont Marie is a print by the Romanticist artist Thomas Girtin. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1950.219.3
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
This 1802 watercolour by Thomas Girtin depicts a panoramic view of Paris from the Pont Marie, capturing the Louvre and its bustling riverfront surroundings.
Subject & Meaning
The scene emphasizes everyday urban life alongside notable landmarks, with boats, bridges, and pedestrian activity complementing the grandeur of the Louvre.
Technique & Style
Executed in soft browns and grays with visible pencil underdrawings, the work exhibits a sketch-like quality, suggesting a rapid study rather than a finished piece.
History & Provenance
Part of Girtin's series, A Selection of Twenty of the Most Picturesque Views in Paris, this work is now held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Created during a period when Girtin was instrumental in elevating watercolour's status as a respected artistic medium, particularly in documenting urban landscapes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Girtin (18 February 1775 – 9 November 1802) was an English watercolourist and etcher. A friend and rival of J. M. W. Turner, Girtin played a key role in establishing watercolour as a reputable art form.
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