A Roman Capriccio

Hubert Robert, c. 1763/1764

The image shows an elevated viewpoint overlooking a grand architectural setting. The horizon is suggested by rising structures and distant pyramids, including an obelisk. The drawing style features loose brushstrokes with sepia tones, creating a sketch-like quality. The color palette is mainly monochromatic with light brown and beige. Closest to the viewer are large, indistinct shapes, figures, and vehicles. Further away, a curved colonnade leads to a monumental arch and pyramid structures among bustling figures. The sky has soft, sparse clouds.
Artist
Hubert Robert
Date
c. 1763/1764
Type
Drawing
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper
Dimensions
25.7 × 35.8 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

The image shows an elevated viewpoint overlooking a grand architectural setting. The horizon is suggested by rising structures and distant pyramids, including an obelisk. The drawing style features loose brushstrokes with sepia tones, creating a sketch-like quality. The color palette is mainly monochromatic with light brown and beige. Closest to the viewer are large, indistinct shapes, figures, and vehicles. Further away, a curved colonnade leads to a monumental arch and pyramid structures among bustling figures. The sky has soft, sparse clouds.

Hubert Robert