Verona 9 - 1850

This is "Verona," a pencil drawing by Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig, currently housed in the Städel Museum. The drawing presents a pale, almost ghostly, depiction of a street scene dominated by architectural forms. Ludwig’s primary focus appears to be the intricate details and linear patterns of the buildings rather than a realistic portrayal of light and shadow. The composition employs a striking use of perspective, drawing the viewer's eye upwards along the facades and towards the tower. The delicate lines create a sense of depth, yet the overall effect is somewhat flattened, emphasizing the two-dimensional nature of the drawing. The lack of strong tonal contrast adds to the ethereal quality, inviting us to consider the underlying structure rather than the superficial appearance of the scene. Ludwig's approach here underscores a formalist concern with the architectural framework of Verona, reducing the city to a play of lines and forms. This allows us to contemplate the constructed nature of our environments and the ways in which art can deconstruct and re-present these familiar spaces.