Artwork
Fragment of an Arch (tracing from recto) (verso)
Fragment of an Arch (tracing from recto) (verso) is a drawing by the Baroque artist Andrea Locatelli. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Fragment of an Arch (tracing from recto) (verso) is a landscape drawing by Italian artist Andrea Locatelli, dating to circa 1704. It represents an early work in his development as a vedute painter.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a fragment of an arch, emphasizing its architectural form through outlined curves and lines, set against a muted, stained background. The subject reflects Locatelli's engagement with the Roman landscape tradition, focusing on detailed architectural elements within a natural context.
Technique & Style
Executed in an unidentified medium, the work appears to be a study or sketch rather than a finished piece. Characterized by simplicity and elegance, it showcases Locatelli's emerging style, marked by harmony in the arch's curved and linear elements.
History & Provenance
Created during Locatelli's formative period, the drawing shows training influences from his father Giovanni Francesco and possibly from marine painters Monsù Alto and Bernardino Fergioni. The verso side bears a blue number '022', though its significance is unclear.
Context
This work is situated within the broader Baroque movement and the Roman landscape tradition of the early 18th century. It shares stylistic and thematic elements with other vedute painters of the time, capturing the intersection of architecture and nature.
Legacy
While not a definitive work, Fragment of an Arch contributes to understanding Locatelli's early artistic development and his contribution to the Roman vedute tradition, offering insight into the preparatory processes of Baroque landscape artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Andrea Locatelli (19 December 1695 – 19 February 1741) was an Italian painter of landscapes (vedute).
