1747
graphite
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
An Italian Town with a Stone Bridge and a Waterfall is a 1747 graphite by Joseph-Marie Vien, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a quiet town with a stone bridge crossing a river. Behind it, a waterfall tumbles down rocks, and buildings with pointed roofs line the hillside. Trees and bushes add texture to the scene, all drawn in loose, quick lines. The artist used shading to show depth, especially in the water and shadows under the bridge. This style was common in the Baroque period, where artists played with light and dark to create drama. Next, check out the Baroque movement to see more examples of this dramatic style.
Joseph-Marie Vien (18 June 1716 – 27 March 1809) was a French painter. He was the last holder of the post of Premier peintre du Roi, serving from 1789 to 1791, before it was abolished during the French Revolution.
See the richer artist page
