The Gardens of the Villa Medici

1710-1720

Gaspar van Wittel

Associated Names
Gaspar van Wittel

Artist, Dutch, 1652/1653 - 1736

The image shows a preliminary sketch on light-colored paper. The sketch features finely detailed linework of trees with swirling strokes for leaves and branches. The horizon is not clearly defined, suggesting a landscape extending beyond. The brushstrokes are deliberate and controlled, with varied thicknesses for depth and texture. The color palette is muted, mainly beige paper and sepia ink. On the right side, there are two simpler sketches of furniture with faint, precise lines for contrast with the organic tree forms.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
Not on view See artworks now on view

Artwork overview

Associated Artworks

The image depicts a garden scene from a slightly elevated angle. The composition includes clusters of trees and statues with intricate details, hedges, and architectural elements that give a sense of depth. The overall palette is monochromatic, with soft pencil and ink lines on paper.

The Gardens of the Villa Medici

Gaspar van Wittel

1710

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Bartolomeo Cavaceppi, Rome [died 1799]; Vincenzo Pacetti, no. 284, Rome, 1801 [died 1820] (Lugt 2057); Paul Fatio (1874-1960?), Geneva [Lugt 3701]; (sale, Nicolas Rauch, Geneva, 13-15 June 1960, no. 415); (Agnew's, London, 1960); Dr. Rudolf J. Heinemann, Ruvigliano, Lugano, 1966; his wife, Mrs. Rudolf J. Heinemann, Lugano and New York; gift to NGA, 2000.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1961

  • The Italian Scene, Drawings by Vanvitelli, Thomas Agnew & Sons, London, 1961, no. 4.

Bibliography

1996

  • Briganti, Giuliano. Gaspar van Wittel. Milan, 1996.

Inscriptions

by later hand, upper right in graphite: 415; by later hand, lower left in graphite: Villa Medici; by later hand, lower right in red pencil: N 18; by later hand, lower right in graphite: Villa Medici / Roma; by later hand, along right edge in graphite: in pallastren(?); by later hand, upper right in graphite: W.8

Watermarks

fleur-de-lis inside double circle, surmounted by D (similar to Heawood 1591)

Wikidata ID

Q64571014

You may be interested in

Loading Results