Cliffs Overhanging a River Gorge near Sorrento (recto)

1823

Johann Joachim Faber

Associated Names
Johann Joachim Faber

Artist, German, 1778 - 1846

The image depicts a rocky gorge with sunlight infiltrating through an opening in the rock formations. The horizon is not visible, with towering vertical cliffs framing the view. Slivers of sky can be seen through the narrow gap formed by the cliffs, along with cascading vegetation. The brushwork gives a sense of texture and volume to the rocks and foliage, with highlights and shadows. The color palette consists of warm sepia tones. Uneven rock surfaces and a calm pool of water lead the gaze outward towards dense greenery and a far-off hint of a mountainous structure with architectural elements atop it.

Media Options

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

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    graphite and brown wash on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 41.9 × 28.5 cm (16 1/2 × 11 1/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2014.62.1.a

Associated Artworks

Castle near Massa (verso)

Johann Joachim Faber

1823


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Dr. Martin Moeller Kunsthandel, Hamburg, by 2012); NGA purchase in 2014

Associated Names

Bibliography

2012

  • Moeller, Martin. Arbeiten auf Papier/Works on Paper. X. Dr. Moeller & Cie., Hamburg, 2012: no. 58 (color).

Inscriptions

lower left in graphite: Sorrent juny 1823; lower left verso in graphite: Bey Massa auf dem Cap Miseno

Wikidata ID

Q64582046

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