Portico of the Palazzo Nuovo, on the Campidoglio 1744 - 1750

This pencil drawing of the Portico of the Palazzo Nuovo on the Campidoglio was made by Joseph Marie Vien. The quick, precise pencil strokes suggest that it was created en plein air, directly in front of the subject. The artist's hand moved swiftly across the paper, capturing the essence of the grand architectural structure. The marks are direct and economical; lines are used to delineate edges, create shading, and provide a sense of depth. Pencil, as a medium, makes art accessible. Its portability allowed artists like Vien to document the world around them. A work like this is a reminder of the labor involved in the creation of monumental architecture like the Palazzo Nuovo. Its columns and classical details required the work of countless stonecutters, masons, and builders. By focusing on process and materiality, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance embedded within this drawing.