A Grotto (The Stables of the Villa Maecenas, Tivoli?)

c. 1700

Francis Place

Associated Names
Francis Place

Artist, British, 1647 - 1728

The image shows a tunnel-like perspective looking through an archway at what seems to be an ancient, ruin-like structure. The horizon is not visible, indicating an enclosed space, with walls and arches framing the scene. The brushstrokes are loose and sketchy, suggesting an unfinished or impressionistic style. The color palette consists of sepia tones, ranging from dark browns to light creams. Close to us are dark shading areas suggesting uneven flooring or rocks, while beyond, light highlights parts of the walls and a passage leading to another open archway. The texture and play of light and shadow suggest depth and dimension within the confined space.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    William B. O'Neal Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 18.9 × 34 cm (7 7/16 × 13 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.175.2


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

By descent in the artist's family to Patrick Allan Fraser [1812 - 1890]; by descent to (Fraser sale, Sotheby's, London, 10 June 1931, no. 137?). Iolo A. Williams [1890-1962]; by descent until (sale, Christie's, London, 31 July 1979, no. 62). Private collection; (online sale, Bonham's, Oxford, 14 October 2014, no. 461); private collection; (Lowell Libson & Johnny Yarker Ltd, British Art, London; purchased 2018 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2018

  • The Spirit and Force of Art: Drawing in Britain 1600 - 1750. Lowell Libson & Jonny Yarker Ltd, London, 2018, no. 34 (color)(cat. by Jonny Yarker).

2023

  • Drawing in Britain, 1700 - 1900: New Additions to the Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2023.


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