A Roman Capriccio

c. 1763/1764

Hubert Robert

Associated Names
Hubert Robert

Artist, French, 1733 - 1808

The image shows an elevated viewpoint overlooking a grand architectural setting. The horizon is suggested by rising structures and distant pyramids, including an obelisk. The drawing style features loose brushstrokes with sepia tones, creating a sketch-like quality. The color palette is mainly monochromatic with light brown and beige. Closest to the viewer are large, indistinct shapes, figures, and vehicles. Further away, a curved colonnade leads to a monumental arch and pyramid structures among bustling figures. The sky has soft, sparse 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

    pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Victor Carlson

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 25.7 × 35.8 cm (10 1/8 × 14 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2019.46.3


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Sir Francis Stonor, London. (Hans Calmann, London); Victor Carlson, c. 1966; gift to NGA in 2019.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1978

  • Hubert Robert: Drawings & Watercolors. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1978, 58-59, no. 16 (cat. by Victor Carlson).

1982

  • Alumni Who Collect. 1: Drawings from the 16th Century to the Present. The David and Alfred Smart Gallery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 1982, no. 23, pl. 15.

Inscriptions

by later hand, upper left verso in graphite: H. Robert


You may be interested in

Loading Results