Monument on a square 

This is Francesco Guardi’s drawing called "Monument on a Square" made with pen and brown ink with wash. Observe how Guardi uses a limited palette to evoke a somber mood, focusing on tonal variations to define form and space. The monument dominates the foreground, its architectural details rendered with expressive, almost frantic strokes. This technique captures a sense of dynamism and immediacy, a hallmark of Guardi's style. The composition is structured around a series of receding planes, creating depth despite the sketch's minimalistic approach. Notice the use of light and shadow to articulate the monument's structure, juxtaposed with the surrounding urban landscape suggested by a few quick lines. Guardi's ability to distill complex scenes into their essential elements reveals a keen understanding of visual perception and the power of suggestion, capturing the essence of Venice through line and wash.