Artwork
Terrace by a River with a Villa and Trees Beyond
Terrace by a River with a Villa and Trees Beyond is a graphite drawing by the Baroque artist Joseph-Marie Vien. It dates from 1747 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Terrace by a River with a Villa and Trees Beyond is a 1747 drawing by Joseph-Marie Vien, a French artist who later became Premier peintre du Roi.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a serene riverside scene, featuring a stone terrace, a small villa with a tower, and surrounding trees, conveying a sense of tranquility.
Technique & Style
Executed in graphite on laid paper, the sketch is characterized by quick, light lines that suggest shapes and shadows, with much of the paper left blank, giving it a spontaneous feel.
Context
This work reflects Vien's early career, predating his role as a court artist, and is reminiscent of the Baroque style, which often balanced dramatic and simple elements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph-Marie Vien (18 June 1716 – 27 March 1809) was a French painter. He was the last holder of the post of Premier peintre du Roi, serving from 1789 to 1791, before it was abolished during the French Revolution.
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View of the Prato of the Villa Borghese
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Italian Buildings on a Hillside