Artwork

Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden

Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden, by Adolph von Menzel, graphite, 1860
Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden, by Adolph von Menzel, graphite, 1860

Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Adolph von Menzel. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Flight of Stone Steps in a Garden is a graphite drawing created by Adolph Menzel in 1860. The work exemplifies Menzel's skill as a draftsman and his attention to detail.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene garden scene, with stone steps winding between walls, rendered in soft light. The level of detail suggests that the scene is based on a real location, reflecting Menzel's practice of drawing from observation.

Technique & Style

Menzel achieved a high level of texture and depth in the drawing through the use of tiny, careful lines, creating the illusion of etched metal. The shading on the steps and surrounding elements gives the scene a sense of volume and realism.

History & Provenance

Adolph Menzel was a prominent figure in 19th-century German art, known for his drawings, etchings, and paintings. He was later recognized for his contributions with a knighthood in 1898.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Adolph von Menzel

Artist

Adolph von Menzel

Adolph Friedrich Erdmann von Menzel was a German Realist artist noted for drawings, etchings, and paintings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.