Terrace by a River with a Villa and Trees Beyond

Terrace by a River with a Villa and Trees Beyond

Joseph-Marie Vien

1747

graphite

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a quiet riverside scene with a stone terrace in the foreground. Behind it, a small building with a tower sits among leafy trees. The artist used quick, light lines to suggest shadows and shapes, leaving most of the paper blank. The drawing looks like it was made fast—maybe even outdoors. The loose strokes capture the feel of the place without too many details. If you like this sketchy style, look up Baroque for more art that balances drama and simplicity.

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