Hotel de Ville, Prague 1833

Samuel Prout made this drawing of the Hotel de Ville in Prague using graphite and watercolor on paper. It’s a relatively straightforward combination of materials, but look closer and you’ll see Prout really knew how to push them. The dense graphite lines capture the intricacy of the architecture, from the gothic windows to the statues. The watercolor washes give the impression of light and atmosphere, softening the hard edges of the buildings. The process involved carefully building up layers of graphite and watercolor to create depth and texture. Note how the weight of the materials gives the drawing a sense of solidity. Prout was a master of architectural rendering, and here he has imbued the scene with life, showing the bustling activity of the town square. This wasn't just a neutral record, but a way of celebrating human endeavor, both past and present. It reminds us that understanding an artwork fully means understanding the materials, making, and social context that shaped it.