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The image shows a sketch from an elevated point of view. Various elements suggest depth, including faint outlines of structures, a small human figure with a staff in the distance, and a prominent tree closest to the viewer. The artwork uses dynamic pencil strokes to depict foliage with varying textures and contrasts. The color palette is primarily gray, capturing forms and details in a natural setting. Details become lighter towards the sky, showcasing open spaces with minimal distant sketches.
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The image shows a sketch from an elevated point of view. Various elements suggest depth, including faint outlines of structures, a small human figure with a staff in the distance, and a prominent tree closest to the viewer. The artwork uses dynamic pencil strokes to depict foliage with varying textures and contrasts. The color palette is primarily gray, capturing forms and details in a natural setting. Details become lighter towards the sky, showcasing open spaces with minimal distant sketches.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Towering Tree with Travelers

Joseph-Marie Vien

Date
1746/1749
Medium
black chalk on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 19 x 12.7 cm (7 1/2 x 5 in.) page size: 42.5 x 27.7 cm (16 3/4 x 10 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1983.49.196
Credit line
Mark J. Millard Architectural Collection
Time span
1726 to 1750
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Landscape
  • Italy
  • 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 62518. 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.