Artwork
Colossus L'Apenin, Pratolino
Colossus L'Apenin, Pratolino is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey. It dates from 1822 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Colossus L'Apenin, Pratolino is a 1822 lithograph on wove paper by French artist Jean-Baptiste Isabey, created during the Restoration period.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a colossal stone head carved into a rocky hillside, surrounded by a landscaped garden with a waterfall and pool. The scene is populated by small figures, evoking a sense of scale and mystery. The imagery reflects the neoclassical and picturesque tastes prevalent in early 19th-century France.
Technique & Style
Isabey employed soft lines and a dreamy, hazy atmosphere to convey a sense of antiquity and mystique. The lithographic technique allowed for subtle gradations of tone, enhancing the overall effect.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Baptiste Isabey (French pronunciation: ; 11 April 1767 – 18 April 1855) was a French artist during both the First Empire and the Restoration.
Colossal Statue of the Apennines
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