A Prehistoric Stone Circle on a Mound, an Extensive Landscape Beyond
Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein German
Not on view
Tischbein's finished drawing 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. A related preliminary drawing (2003.100) was probably made on location. Later, Tischbein here expanded his sketch into a finished watercolor, 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.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.