View of Rome, with via Appia n.d.

Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi made this drawing, “View of Rome, with via Appia,” using pen and brown ink with brown wash on cream laid paper. The earth-toned monochrome wash creates depth and atmosphere, while the pen lines define the architectural and natural elements. The washes add tone and substance to the artwork, creating depth and shadow. The layered washes create a sense of atmospheric perspective, pushing the background further away. You can almost feel the warm Roman sunlight filtering through the scene. Grimaldi skillfully captures the landscape's texture, from the rough stones of the ancient road to the soft foliage of the trees. This approach elevates the drawing beyond a mere topographical record. In this landscape, Grimaldi invites us to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Rome. He also reminds us of the city's historical weight, which he rendered using such simple, accessible materials. It encourages us to consider the city's past and present, as well as the labor involved in its construction and maintenance.