Artwork

An Italian Coast Scene

An Italian Coast Scene, by John 'Warwick' Smith, graphite, 1778
An Italian Coast Scene, by John 'Warwick' Smith, graphite, 1778

An Italian Coast Scene is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist John 'Warwick' Smith. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

An Italian Coast Scene is a drawing by John 'Warwick' Smith, created in 1778 using watercolor over graphite on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene rocky coastline with a small boat near the shore and buildings on the cliffside, evoking a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

Smith employed thin washes of color, allowing the paper to show through and creating a light, dreamy effect characteristic of watercolor work.

Artist & collection

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