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The image is a pencil sketch depicting a large classical building, likely part of an architectural complex. The viewpoint is slightly elevated. The horizon is subtly indicated at the top of the structures. There are arched windows and a figure or statue on one of the roofs. The drawing is characterized by light, precise pencil strokes outlining the scene with no shading. The color palette is monochromatic, with pale gray against an off-white background. The building extends into the distance with light foliage framing the scene.
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The image is a pencil sketch depicting a large classical building, likely part of an architectural complex. The viewpoint is slightly elevated. The horizon is subtly indicated at the top of the structures. There are arched windows and a figure or statue on one of the roofs. The drawing is characterized by light, precise pencil strokes outlining the scene with no shading. The color palette is monochromatic, with pale gray against an off-white background. The building extends into the distance with light foliage framing the scene.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Roman Church

Jacques-Louis David

Date
1775/80
Medium
graphite on pale blue laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 16.7 x 21.9 cm (6 9/16 x 8 5/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1998.105.1.uu
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Estate of the artist (sale, Paris, 17 April 1826, under no. 66; withdrawn); Mme.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: paraphes of E.D. and J.D.

NGA object ID 107090. 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.