The Palatine Hill, Rome 1825 - 1826

Camille Corot made this drawing of The Palatine Hill in Rome using graphite on paper. A simple enough combination, and yet it has given us a composition of incredible delicacy. Consider the way the artist handled this humble material, graphite. Its inherent qualities allowed Corot to produce a range of tonal values, creating depth and atmosphere through subtle gradations. The Palatine Hill, a setting imbued with historical significance, is rendered here with a light touch. The texture of the paper also plays a role, its slight toothiness catching the graphite to create a sense of broken light. This work stands in a tradition of plein-air sketching, rapidly capturing the effect of light and atmosphere. Yet we should remember that such apparent spontaneity always rests on a foundation of skill, a mastery of the material. It reminds us that even in the most seemingly effortless of artistic gestures, the hand of the artist, and the inherent qualities of the materials used, contribute to the final result.