
Read the visual description
The image depicts a landscape seen from an elevated perspective. The horizon is low in the composition with scattered trees and a simple structure. The brushstrokes are delicate and sketch-like, creating a sense of movement. The color palette is soft, primarily earthy browns and greens. Close to us, there is a wide expanse of land with a dirt path leading to the house in the distance. Trees flank both sides, adding depth. The sky is depicted with a pale wash, indicating overcast weather. The artwork conveys a calm and expansive natural environment.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Road through a Country Village
Christoph Nathe
- Date
- c. 1790
- Medium
- watercolor over graphite on laid paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 25.1 x 30.7 cm (9 7/8 x 12 1/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 2011.128.1
- Credit line
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
- Time span
- 1776 to 1800
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Tree
- Road
- Building
Provenance
Carl Brose, Berlin; (his sale, Hollstein & Puppel, Berlin, 8 and 10 November 1928, lot 345). Dr. Franz Ulrich Apelt, Zittau (not in Lugt); by descent; (C. G. Boerner, New York); purchased by NGA, 2011.
NGA object ID 155692. 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.