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The image depicts a slightly elevated view of a grand architectural scene. The horizon is low, emphasizing the architectural structures. In the center is a large amphitheater with multiple tiers and ornate decorations. The architecture features classical style, meticulously rendered columns and arches. The color palette is soft, dominated by beige and gray tones. The sky has delicate brushstrokes creating soft clouds. Beyond the amphitheater are classical buildings, archways, and gentle hills in the background.
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The image depicts a slightly elevated view of a grand architectural scene. The horizon is low, emphasizing the architectural structures. In the center is a large amphitheater with multiple tiers and ornate decorations. The architecture features classical style, meticulously rendered columns and arches. The color palette is soft, dominated by beige and gray tones. The sky has delicate brushstrokes creating soft clouds. Beyond the amphitheater are classical buildings, archways, and gentle hills in the background.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Architectural Fantasy of a Magnificent Ancient Mausoleum

Giuseppe Borsato

Date
1815/1820
Medium
pen and gray ink over graphite, with gray and black wash and watercolor on thin wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 40.9 × 56 cm (16 1/8 × 22 1/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2004.27.1
Credit line
William B. O'Neal Fund
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • Italy
  • landscape
Provenance

Didier Aaron, Paris; (Daxer & Marschall, Munich); purchased 2004 by NGA.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right in graphite: No 51

NGA object ID 129262. 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.