Gezicht op Monte Mario te Rome c. 1808 - 1857

Abraham Teerlink made this delicate landscape of Monte Mario in Rome with pen and brush, using brown ink and grey wash on paper. The drawing’s appearance is significantly influenced by the thinness of the ink and wash. See how the lines defining the buildings and the landscape are delicate, almost tentative? The grey wash, diluted with water, creates subtle tonal variations, giving the scene a hazy, dreamlike quality. Consider the labor involved. Unlike the grand oil paintings of the time, this work emphasizes immediacy and portability. It's a sketch, likely done on location, capturing a fleeting impression of the Roman countryside. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke, a direct connection to the scene. This approach challenges the hierarchy between finished art and preparatory sketch, inviting us to appreciate the skill and artistry in capturing a moment.