Who painted Lago Maggiore?

Lago Maggiore was painted by Gaspar van Wittel in 1700.

Where can I see Lago Maggiore?

Lago Maggiore is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lago Maggiore?

Lago Maggiore is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Lago Maggiore

Gaspar van Wittel , 1700

Lago Maggiore is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Gaspar van Wittel. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Lago Maggiore is a drawing created by Caspar van Wittel around 1700, executed in brown ink over graphite on laid paper. The work depicts a serene Italian lakeside scene.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing showcases a tranquil lake with a small town on its shore, set against a backdrop of hills. The inclusion of tiny boats and a solitary figure adds a sense of everyday life to the natural and architectural landscape.

Technique & Style

Van Wittel employed quick, loose lines to convey light and distance, characteristic of his veduta style. The brown ink, applied over graphite, gives the piece a subtle, almost cartographic appearance.

History & Provenance

Created during van Wittel's active period in Rome, Lago Maggiore reflects his specialization in Italian landscapes and cityscapes, contributing to the establishment of veduta as a prominent genre in Italian art.

Context

As part of van Wittel's oeuvre, this drawing sits within the broader context of 18th-century Italian topographical art, emphasizing the beauty of both natural and man-made environments.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gaspar van Wittel

Caspar van Wittel or Gaspar van Wittel (Dutch: ; born Jasper Adriaensz van Wittel; 1652 or 1653 – 13 September 1736), known in Italian as Gaspare Vanvitelli (IPA: ) or Gasparo degli Occhiali (IPA: ), was a Dutch painter…