
Read the visual description
The image depicts a scenic view with a cluster of architectural structures, including buildings with tile roofs and a round tower. The structures are placed centrally and extend towards the right. The horizon is elevated and populated by these buildings, suggesting they are on high ground. The sketch is detailed and shaded, with fine pencil strokes giving it a textured, monochromatic feel. Close-up areas include a pathway and a small fence with softer outlines, adding depth. The buildings are meticulously drawn, transitioning into sketchier illustrations of the environment, like trees. The overall color palette is graphite gray and white, emphasizing contrasts against a textured paper background.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Fortified Town in Italy
Joseph-Marie Vien
- Date
- 1744/1750
- Medium
- graphite on laid paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 12.6 x 18.9 cm (4 15/16 x 7 7/16 in.) page size: 42.5 x 27.7 cm (16 3/4 x 10 7/8 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 1983.49.184
- Credit line
- Mark J. Millard Architectural Collection
- Time span
- 1726 to 1750
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- French
- Italy
- architecture
- landscape
Provenance
Antonio Cesare Poggi (died c. 1836; Lugt 617); Charles Edouard Mewes; Mark J. Millard, New York; purchased by NGA, 1983.
NGA object ID 62506. 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.