Artwork
View of a City at Night

View of a City at Night is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Camille Roqueplan. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
You see a city at night with buildings and streets.
The painting shows a quiet moment, with no people around. It's interesting because it was made in 1831, but the subjects say it's about 20th century France, which is a bit confusing.
Check out the technique of chiaroscuro to learn more about how artists create contrast with light and dark.
Overview
View of a City at Night is a drawing created by Camille Joseph Etienne Roqueplan in 1831. It is a cityscape held in The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a serene nighttime city scene, devoid of human presence. Despite being created in the early 19th century, the cityscape is often associated with 20th-century France, presenting an intriguing anachronism.
Technique & Style
Roqueplan's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that exploits the contrast between light and dark, is notable in this work. This artistic device adds depth and atmosphere to the nocturnal cityscape.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Camille Joseph Etienne Roqueplan (18 February 1802/03 – 29 September 1855) was a French Romantic painter of landscapes, genre and historical scenes.











