Figures on a Roman Piazza

Robert Smith

Associated Names
Robert Smith

Artist, Irish, 1792 - 1882

The image shows a pencil sketch of an urban scene, possibly a city square, viewed from a slightly elevated angle. Several figures are depicted in faint outlines against the backdrop of monumental buildings. On the right, there is a tall column with a statue on top, surrounded by detailed architectural structures. The horizon is indicated by distant rooftops above the figures. The sketch includes soft shading and precise lines to convey texture and depth. The color palette is monochromatic, using different shades of graphite to depict light and shadow.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Joseph F. McCrindle Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 20.7 x 14.5 cm (8 1/8 x 5 11/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2009.70.214


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

Associated Names

Bibliography

2012

  • Grasselli, Margaret M., and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., eds. The McCrindle Gift: A Distinguished Collection of Drawings and Watercolors. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art. Washington, 2012: 172 (color).

Inscriptions

by later hand on mat, lower left verso in graphite: RFGS; by later hand on mat, lower right verso in graphite: D1215

Wikidata ID

Q64629086

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