Coastal Landscape

ca. 1770

Not on view

In this imaginary view of a coastal landscape, a low shoreline on the left opens onto the sea and is framed in the background by a wooded hill. In the distance, a mountain castle overlooks the bay and a small island closes off the image to the right. The landscape is built up from just a few brush strokes in gray wash that are further accentuated with delicate graphite linework to indicate topography. Using the blank paper as the base tone of his composition, the artist skillfully interlaces dark and light areas in the water and on land to enliven an otherwise simple composition. This seemingly simple technique is highly effective in creating the impression of a sundrenched view.

Artwork Details

Title: Coastal Landscape
Artist: Alexander Cozens (British, Russia 1717–1786 London)
Date: ca. 1770
Medium: Graphite, brush and gray wash; laid down on original paper mount with gray wash
Dimensions: Sheet: 8 7/8 in. × 12 in. (22.5 × 30.5 cm)
Mount: 13 3/4 in. × 17 5/16 in. (35 × 43.9 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1930
Object Number: 30.49.6
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

By Alexander Cozens

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Sycamore, Thorn, Walnut and Willow (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Pollard-Willow, Weeping-Willow, Pollard Weeping-Willow and Yew (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Elder, Larch-Fir, Scotch-Fir and Spruce or Norway Fir (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Lime, Holly, Laburnum and Laurel (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Oak, Pollard-Oak, Palm and Italian Pine (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

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