Artwork
Building with a Square Tower
Building with a Square Tower is an ink print by the Baroque artist Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Building with a Square Tower is an etching by Herman van Swanevelt, created in 1628. The print depicts a serene rural landscape in monochrome.
Subject & Meaning
The scene features a small house with a square tower on a hill, surrounded by trees and foliage. In the foreground, figures interact with a donkey and cart, while another person sits on the ground, suggesting a tranquil, everyday moment.
Technique & Style
The etching technique allowed van Swanevelt to achieve fine lines and detailed textures, evident in the rendering of tree bark and fabric folds. The use of a sharp tool to draw directly onto a metal plate enabled this level of precision.
Artist & collection
