View of an Italian Villa and Gardens (the Belvedere of the Vatican) 1765 - 1766

Jean Jacques de Boissieu created this delicate rendering of the Belvedere of the Vatican using pen, and gray wash on paper. De Boissieu, born in Switzerland, spent his career capturing landscapes, often ancient ruins and buildings, across Europe. The washes create a sense of depth and atmosphere. These translucent layers of pigment imbue the image with a sense of light and air. Note how de Boissieu has built up the tonality to define the architectural forms and foliage. The fine pen work adds definition and detail, particularly in the depiction of the building’s structure. De Boissieu's careful application of the gray wash is an aesthetic choice. The use of pen and wash, rooted in traditions of draftsmanship, highlights the artist's skill in capturing the grandeur of the Italian villa. By focusing on the materiality and techniques of the artwork, we can appreciate De Boissieu's virtuosity, and the traditions from which he emerged.