Artwork

Architectural drawing

Architectural drawing, by Gerald Callcott Horsley, 15
Architectural drawing, by Gerald Callcott Horsley, 15

Architectural drawing is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Gerald Callcott Horsley. It dates from 15 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing captures the upper section of Reims Cathedral's south transept exterior in an unfinished state.

About this work

This sketch shows a tall, pointy building with lots of small windows and spires. The lines are light and shaky, like it was drawn fast. You can see arches, statues, and a mix of flat and rounded shapes stacked up high.

The artist focused on how light hits the building’s details. The date on the paper says June 15, 1886.

Look up cross-hatching to see how artists use lines to make shadows.

Overview

This drawing captures the upper section of Reims Cathedral's south transept exterior in an unfinished state.

Subject & Meaning

The work showcases characteristic Gothic features, including pointed arches, intricate window tracery, and statues of saints along the walls, highlighting the building's ornate details.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a range of lines to convey texture and shadow, with varying densities suggesting the interplay of light on the cathedral's complex facade.

History & Provenance

Dated June 15, 1886, the drawing provides a snapshot of the artist's observation and rendering of the cathedral on that specific day.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gerald Callcott Horsley

Gerald Horsley spent his days sketching the city like a human camera, stopping mid-walk to press pencil to paper outside a shop or up a church aisle.