Gezicht op Montefiascone c. 1808 - 1857

Abraham Teerlink sketched this view of Montefiascone with pen, brush and watercolour. The composition divides into a clear foreground, midground and background, giving a sense of depth. Teerlink arranges the town on the top of a hill which cuts across the frame in a strong diagonal line. This is balanced by the sloping plain in the distance, creating a formal symmetry. The muted palette emphasizes the architectural forms and the interplay of light and shadow. Notice how the pen lines define the structures of the buildings and landscape, offering a sense of clarity and order. The gentle washes of colour soften the forms, creating atmospheric perspective. The sketchbook format invites us into Teerlink’s personal experience and artistic process. The artwork's balanced composition offers a structured, yet intimate engagement with the Italian landscape, highlighting the formal elements of design, line, and color that underpin the artist's vision.