A Prehistoric Stone Circle on a Mound, an Extensive Landscape Beyond
Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein German
Not on view
Tischbein's chalk study of giant stones set in a deserted landscape reflect northern Europe's romantic fascination with its own prehistoric past in the early nineteenth century. These rough-hewn boulders, some fallen, some still in ritual formation, hint at ancient mysteries. Workmanlike in execution, the preliminary drawing was probably made on location. Later, Tischbein expanded his sketch into a finished watercolor (2003.99), using pen lines to describe the diverse textures of rocks and ground cover, and adding layers of color to suggest the atmosphere of a hilly barren expanse devoid of occupants.
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