Ruins on the Palatine in Rome 1645 - 1655

Johann Anton Eismann created this drawing of the Ruins on the Palatine in Rome with graphite on paper. Graphite, in its raw state, is a relatively common mineral, yet the skill lies in the application. Eismann coaxes a remarkable range of tones from it here, establishing both the mass of the ancient architecture, and the atmospheric light. The very subject of the drawing—ruins— speaks to the way that time erodes even the most monumental constructions, reducing them to a state of picturesque decay. The medium echoes this theme: graphite drawings are inherently delicate, vulnerable to smudging and fading. While stone and brick speak to the labor of the ancient Romans, the drawing speaks to Eismann’s hand and eye. Ultimately, it’s a poignant reminder of the transience of human endeavor, whether expressed in architecture or art.