Who painted View up a Street in Sorrento [verso]?

View up a Street in Sorrento [verso] was painted by François-Édouard Bertin in 1822.

Where can I see View up a Street in Sorrento [verso]?

View up a Street in Sorrento [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is View up a Street in Sorrento [verso]?

View up a Street in Sorrento [verso] is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

View up a Street in Sorrento [verso]

François-Édouard Bertin , 1822

View up a Street in Sorrento [verso] is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist François-Édouard Bertin. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

View up a Street in Sorrento [verso] is a charcoal and white chalk drawing on blue paper, executed by François-Édouard Bertin around 1822. The work captures a serene street scene in a small town, characterized by informal, expressive lines and a predominantly blue hue from the paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a tranquil moment in a quiet street, featuring two women engaged in everyday activities near stone steps. Surrounding architecture, including an old building with arched windows, adds depth to the scene, suggesting a focus on capturing the essence of a visited location.

Technique & Style

Bertin's use of charcoal and white chalk on blue paper creates a sketchy, unfinished appearance, implying a rapid study. The loose, expressive drawing style conveys a sense of vitality, despite the simplicity of the medium.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1822, the drawing's provenance is not detailed here, though its execution during this period situates it within Bertin's early work.

Context

This work aligns with the Romantic movement's emphasis on capturing everyday life and emotional, intuitive renderings of the natural and built environment.

Legacy

While not individually renowned, the drawing contributes to the broader understanding of Bertin's practice and the artistic tendencies of his time, particularly in the context of Romantic-era drawing techniques.