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The image depicts a pencil sketch of an architectural scene from a slightly elevated perspective. The composition features a tall obelisk on the right side, with classical-style buildings in the distance. Fine lines and delicate strokes are used to render details, creating an ethereal quality. The monochrome palette plays with light and shade, emphasizing architectural forms. The largest building is on the right, while the left side opens into a wider space, potentially a plaza.
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The image depicts a pencil sketch of an architectural scene from a slightly elevated perspective. The composition features a tall obelisk on the right side, with classical-style buildings in the distance. Fine lines and delicate strokes are used to render details, creating an ethereal quality. The monochrome palette plays with light and shade, emphasizing architectural forms. The largest building is on the right, while the left side opens into a wider space, potentially a plaza.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Piazza with an Obelisk

Jacques-Louis David

Date
1775/80
Medium
graphite on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 13.2 x 19.5 cm (5 3/16 x 7 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1998.105.1.pp.a
Credit line
Patrons' Permanent Fund
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Neoclassic
Provenance

Estate of the artist (sale, Paris, 17 April 1826, under no. 66; withdrawn); Mme. David (sale, Paris, 11 March 1835, under no. 16); purchased by one of David's pupils, Mlle. X (name obliterated);[1] by descent in her family; (Bruno de Bayser, Paris); purchased 1998 by NGA. [1] According to inscription on flyleaf.

Inscription

lower left: parpaphes of E.D. and J.D.

NGA object ID 107085. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.