1747
graphite
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Trees Screening a House Built on Ancient Ruins is a 1747 graphite by Joseph-Marie Vien, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows a quiet scene of a house tucked behind tall trees. The trees block most of the building, leaving just part of its roof and a chimney visible. In front, a small stream runs across the bottom, and the ground is dotted with bushes. The artist used quick, loose lines to draw the trees and buildings, making everything look sketchy and rough. This style fits the Baroque movement, where artists often played with light and shadow in a dramatic way. Next, look up Baroque to see how this sketch fits into that 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
