Landscape near Rome; verso: Fountain 17th century

This delicate landscape near Rome was drawn by an anonymous artist using pen and brown ink. The composition is structured around three trees that frame a distant view of the city. These trees are not merely decorative; they actively shape our perception of space, acting as a screen through which we glimpse the architecture beyond. The artist's economy of line is striking. Sparse strokes define the rolling hillside, while the foliage is suggested with minimal detail, creating a sense of depth and openness. This strategic use of line directs the viewer's gaze, drawing us into the scene. The drawing challenges traditional landscape conventions. By positioning the trees so prominently, the artist disrupts a seamless view, forcing us to engage with the artwork as a constructed image rather than a direct representation of nature. This structural element—the interplay between foreground and background—reveals the artist's awareness of the act of seeing itself, turning the landscape into a philosophical meditation on perception and representation.