Who painted A Piazza with an Obelisk?

A Piazza with an Obelisk was painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1778.

Where can I see A Piazza with an Obelisk?

A Piazza with an Obelisk is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Piazza with an Obelisk?

A Piazza with an Obelisk is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

A Piazza with an Obelisk

Jacques-Louis David , 1778

A Piazza with an Obelisk is a graphite drawing by the Neoclassicist artist Jacques-Louis David. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Piazza with an Obelisk is a graphite drawing on laid paper created by Jacques-Louis David in 1778. The work depicts a simplified urban scene.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a central town square dominated by a tall obelisk, flanked by minimalistic buildings, including one with columns and another resembling a church. The emphasis is on overall composition and shadow rather than detailed rendering.

Technique & Style

Executed in light, rapid graphite lines, the sketch conveys a sense of quick capture. The textured, laid paper adds to the drawing's spontaneous and preliminary appearance, prioritizing form and shading over intricate details.

History & Provenance

Created in 1778, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

This drawing reflects David's practice of capturing architectural and urban scenes, potentially as a study or sketch during his travels or daily observations.

Legacy

As a lesser-documented work, its direct impact on David's oeuvre or the broader art historical canon is not explicitly defined in the given context.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David was born in Paris on 30 August 1748 into a bourgeois family; his father died in a duel when the boy was nine, and a maternal uncle guided his education.