Artwork
Landscape No. 15 from "Liber Veritatis"

Landscape No. 15 from "Liber Veritatis" is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Richard Earlom. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Landscape No.
About this work
Overview
Landscape No. 15, part of the series known as Liber Veritatis, is an 18th‑century print executed by Richard Earlom in 1774. The work combines etching and mezzotint on laid paper, printed in a warm brown hue. It presents a tranquil rural scene that reflects the artist’s interest in documenting natural settings through a reproducible medium.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a solitary figure seated on the ground, modestly dressed and appearing absorbed in thought. Surrounding the figure are trees and a few domestic animals, while distant hills and a body of water extend the landscape. The arrangement suggests a quiet communion between humanity and nature, emphasizing contemplation within a peaceful environment.
Technique & Style
Earlom employed a dual printmaking approach: fine line etching to delineate forms and mezzotint to achieve rich tonal gradations. The brown ink on laid paper yields an earthy palette, and the soft transitions of light create a sense of warmth. The combination of line and tone produces a balanced visual rhythm characteristic of late‑Baroque print aesthetics.
History & Provenance
Created as an entry in the Liber Veritatis, a catalog of landscape studies, the print was produced during Earlom’s prolific period of reproducing and disseminating works for a broader audience. Copies of the series circulated among collectors and institutions in Britain and the continent, contributing to the spread of landscape imagery in the late 18th century.
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