Artwork
Sketch of the Labyrinth of the Villa Pisani
Sketch of the Labyrinth of the Villa Pisani is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Francesco Guardi. It dates from 1776 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Sketch of the Labyrinth of the Villa Pisani is a drawing created by Francesco Guardi in 1776. It exemplifies his work as a Venetian painter known for landscapes and cityscapes.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts the hedge maze at the Villa Pisani, a notable landscape feature. It reflects Guardi's interest in capturing significant outdoor scenes, aligning with the vedute tradition.
Technique & Style
Guardi's use of loose, expressive brushstrokes and nuanced light and shadow creates a sense of depth and movement. The sketch showcases his evolving style, moving away from the precision of Canaletto towards a more fluid technique.
History & Provenance
Created in 1776, the drawing is a product of Guardi's later work, after he shifted focus from religious paintings to landscapes and cityscapes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco Lazzaro Guardi (Italian pronunciation: ; 5 October 1712 – 1 January 1793) was an Italian painter, nobleman, and a member of the Venetian School.
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