Artwork
San Remo
San Remo is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist John William Casilear. It dates from 1888 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
John William Casilear’s drawing titled San Remo, executed in 1888, depicts a tranquil street in the Italian resort town. Rendered on wove paper with graphite, pen, and black ink, the composition captures a gently sloping road bordered by trees and modest buildings, illuminated by clear sunlight that produces distinct shadows on the pavement and façades.
Subject & Meaning
The scene presents an everyday urban landscape rather than a grand vista, emphasizing the quiet rhythm of a seaside town. The arrangement of trees and structures guides the viewer’s eye down the incline, suggesting a leisurely promenade and evoking the calm atmosphere associated with San Remo’s mild climate.
Technique & Style
Casilear employs fine, controlled lines complemented by delicate cross‑hatching to convey texture in foliage, stone, and ground surfaces. The pen work, while precise, retains a softness that balances detail with atmospheric suggestion, allowing the interplay of light and shadow to convey warmth without relying on color.
History & Provenance
Created in the late nineteenth century, the drawing reflects Casilear’s interest in European travel subjects during his mature period. Though the work’s early ownership record is limited, it has been catalogued among his drawings and is presently held in a public collection, accessible for scholarly study and public viewing.
Artist & collection
