View up a Street in Sorrento [verso]

c. 1822 or later

François-Édouard Bertin

Associated Names
François-Édouard Bertin

Artist, French, 1797 - 1871

The image shows a street-level perspective of a narrow alleyway between tall buildings with trees on one side. A seated figure is on the right near the viewer. A woman and a child are walking down the street. The sketch is done in pencil on blue-toned paper, creating a sense of form and depth with light, fluid lines. The color palette is minimal, highlighting the blue paper as the background with shading variations from the pencil work, emphasizing shadows and shapes.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    charcoal and white chalk on blue paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 29.3 x 45 cm (11 9/16 x 17 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1999.17.1.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a view from a shaded veranda or pergola looking outward through a series of columns. The horizon is obscured by dense foliage with a central palm tree dominating the scene. Architectural elements indicate a building with a dome in the distance. The artwork uses soft, smooth strokes in a monochromatic grey-blue palette. Closest to us, the columns frame the scene, leading the eye towards the blending of structural and natural elements. The overall effect is serene, with blue tones and careful linework creating a harmonious balance.

A Terrace and Garden on Capri [recto]

François-Édouard Bertin

1822

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Edouard Bertin (L. 238a). (Paul Prouté S.A., Paris); purchased by NGA in 1999.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

Upper left, in brown ink: Sorrente.

Wikidata ID

Q64569779

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