View of the Park at Versailles: Balustrade with Two Sphinxes Urn n.d.

"View of the Park at Versailles: Balustrade with Two Sphinxes Urn" is a pencil and wash drawing by French artist Antoine Pierre Mongin (1762-1827). The artwork is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago and depicts a view of the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. The drawing depicts the park's architectural features, including a balustrade with two sphinxes, a large urn, and a variety of trees. Mongin's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and realism, allowing the viewer to feel immersed in the scene. The grid lines on the paper suggest that the drawing was a preparatory study for a larger painting, highlighting Mongin's skill and process.