Artwork

Glimpse of the Palazzo Doria, Genova

Glimpse of the Palazzo Doria, Genova, by Marietta Minnigerode Andrews, graphite, 1892
Glimpse of the Palazzo Doria, Genova, by Marietta Minnigerode Andrews, graphite, 1892

Glimpse of the Palazzo Doria, Genova is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Marietta Minnigerode Andrews. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Glimpse of the Palazzo Doria, Genova is a watercolor drawing executed in 1892 by American artist Marietta Minnigerode Andrews. Rendered on wove paper, the work combines transparent and opaque watercolor applied over an initial graphite sketch. It captures a brief, observational view of the historic Palazzo Doria, a prominent stone façade in the port city of Genoa, Italy.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents the Palazzo Doria’s massive stone walls bathed in the muted light of an early morning. The limited palette of soft blues and grays conveys a quiet, atmospheric moment, suggesting the stillness of a harbor at dawn. The drawing functions as a visual record of the building’s architectural presence within its urban setting.

Technique & Style

Andrews employed a glazing technique, layering thin washes of watercolor to achieve depth and luminosity. Transparent washes allow the underlying graphite to show through, while opaque strokes add solidity to architectural details. Loose, gestural brushwork conveys the texture of stone and the fleeting quality of light, creating a sense of immediacy in the observation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1892, the drawing reflects Andrews’ interest in European travel and architectural subjects during the late nineteenth century. While specific ownership details are scarce, the work has been documented in exhibition catalogues of American women artists of the period and remains a representative example of her watercolor practice.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.