Vue d'Aqua Pendente sur la route de Sienne a Rome

1773

Jean-Jacques de Boissieu

Associated Names
Jean-Jacques de Boissieu

Artist, French, 1736 - 1810

The image is an etching depicting a riverside scene viewed from an elevated position looking slightly downward, capturing both land and water. The horizon is placed relatively high, allowing a clear view of undulating hills and a distant village with structures atop them, including what appears to be a castle or fort. To the left, a winding path leads up a hill towards a cluster of buildings perched near the edge, with several figures making their way along the path. Close to us, on the path, are two women engaged in conversation, while another person nearby walks up the slope. In the water below, there are several small boats with billowing sails and figures tending to them. Behind the boats lies a calm river, bordered by dense trees and low hills. The etching exhibits finely detailed line work that provides texture to the landscape, with the shading skillfully portraying depth and dimension. The overall color palette is monochromatic, utilizing various shades of sepia, which adds a historical and timeless quality to the scene. The sky is lightly etched with soft clouds.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Gaillard F. Ravenel and Frances P. Smyth-Ravenel

  • Dimensions

    plate: 25.8 x 35 cm (10 3/16 x 13 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 26.8 x 36.2 cm (10 9/16 x 14 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2000.7.5

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Boissieu 1878, no. 70, State vii/vii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Gaillard F. Ravenel and Frances P. Smyth-Ravenel, Washington D.C.; gift to NGA, 2000.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2000

  • Drawings and Prints from the Permanent Collection (Summer 2000), National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2000.

Bibliography

1878

  • Boissieu, Alphonse de. J.J. de Boissieu, catalogue raisonne de son oeuvre. Paris: Rapilly; and Lyons: Auguste Brun, 1878.

Inscriptions

upper left in sky: DB 1773; across bottom of plate: Vue d'aqua pendente Sur la Route de Sienne a Rome / Monsieur Le Duc de Rouchefoucault Pair de France / Par son tres humble & tres obeissant serviteur Jean Jacque D.B.

Wikidata ID

Q75425733

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