The artwork titled “View of the Tiber and Castel St. Angelo” is a cityscape created by the renowned Neoclassical artist Jacques-Louis David in 1776. Crafted with chalk on a canvas measuring 166 by 220 cm, the artwork captures the serene essence of the Tiber River and the historic Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. The piece is emblematic of the Neoclassicism art movement, which sought to revive the classical style and grandeur of ancient Greece and Rome.
The artwork depicts a tranquil river scene with the majestic Castel Sant’Angelo dominating the composition. A single boat is moored at the riverbank, adding a sense of stillness and contemplation. The soft chalk medium has been skillfully employed to create a subtle interplay of light and shadow, conveying the atmospheric conditions of the scene. The bridge leading to the fortress is also distinctly rendered, showcasing the artist’s attention to architectural detail. The clouds in the background suggest an overcast sky, contributing to the serene and slightly melancholic mood of the piece. Overall, David’s artwork is a masterful representation of a historic Roman landscape, executed with the precision and restraint characteristic of the Neoclassical movement.