Artwork

Landscape near Rome, with a cistern in the foreground

Landscape near Rome, with a cistern in the foreground, by Cozens, 1746
Landscape near Rome, with a cistern in the foreground, by Cozens, 1746

Landscape near Rome, with a cistern in the foreground is a drawing by the Baroque artist Cozens. It dates from 1746 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This pen and ink drawing captures a serene landscape near Rome, centered around a prominent cistern in the foreground, and bears the artist's monogram along with a date.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a large, centrally placed tree with expansive branches, set against a landscape featuring a curved stone wall, a small dome-shaped structure, and mixed vegetation. The distant dome suggests the presence of a nearby town or ancient ruin.

Technique & Style

The artist employed rapid, expressive penwork, characterized by thin, crisscrossed lines (cross-hatching) to achieve texture and shading. The overall execution appears swift, prioritizing the capture of shapes and light over meticulous detail.

History & Provenance

While the artist's identity is confirmed by their monogram, and the work is dated, specific details regarding its creation context, ownership history, or exhibition record are not provided.

Context

The inclusion of a dome in the background hints at the drawing's Roman setting, possibly referencing ancient architectural remnants common in the area.

Legacy

The drawing's significance lies in its demonstration of cross-hatching techniques for depth and its portrayal of a tranquil Roman landscape, though its broader impact or influence on later artists is not specified.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Cozens

Artist

Cozens

Cozens is an English surname. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name Cozens was first found in Britina. It was a name for a person who was related to someone of note in the area. Further research…