Artwork

The Distant City

The Distant City, by Rodolphe Bresdin, 1868
The Distant City, by Rodolphe Bresdin, 1868

The Distant City is a print by the Impressionist artist Rodolphe Bresdin. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Distant City, an etching by Rodolphe Bresdin from 1868, is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. It depicts a serene, mist-shrouded landscape with a river, cliffs, a crumbling fortress, and a distant town.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a tranquil, atmospheric valley scene. The contrast between the nearby, detailed rocky cliffs and fortress, and the faint, distant town, may evoke contemplation on proximity and remoteness, or present and past.

Technique & Style

Bresdin employed fine, detailed lines to achieve depth, particularly in rendering the fog and distant architecture. The still water's reflection of soft light contributes to the overall sense of calm.

History & Provenance

Created in 1868, the work is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Rodolphe Bresdin

Artist

Rodolphe Bresdin

Rodolphe Bresdin (12 August 1822 – 11 January 1885) was a French draughtsman and engraver.

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