Artwork
Arcadian Landscape with an Obelisk
Arcadian Landscape with an Obelisk is a gouache drawing by the Romanticist artist Salomon Gessner. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Arcadian Landscape with an Obelisk is a gouache drawing on laid paper, created by Salomon Gessner in 1785. It depicts a serene forest landscape with figures, architectural elements, and natural details.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing portrays a tranquil Arcadian scene, featuring a winding path, stream, stone well, and an obelisk in the distant hilltop. Figures are shown walking or resting, suggesting a peaceful, idyllic atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Gessner employed gouache to achieve a soft, dreamy effect. The composition contrasts detailed renderings of trees and rocks with loose, airy brushstrokes in the sky, emphasizing the serene ambiance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1785, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
The use of gouache on laid paper was a common practice for landscape studies during the late 18th century. The Arcadian theme reflects the era's romanticization of pastoral settings.
Legacy
The drawing's impact or influence on subsequent artistic movements or individual artists is not specified in the given context.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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