View on the Quirinal Hill, Rome

Simon Denis

1800 · Oil on paper, laid down on canvas · European Paintings

For this rooftop view, Denis set up his easel on the upper story of a palazzo on Rome’s Quirinal Hill. His intention was not merely to depict the urban topography. Facing north by northwest, the view beckoned to be painted in the afternoon to take full advantage of the shadows that heighten the counterpoint between the curve in the cityscape and the dome of the sky. This simple record of a few hours’ work is arguably the most ambitious oil sketch by Denis that has come to light.

Artist

Simon Denis

Date

1800

Medium

Oil on paper, laid down on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

The Whitney Collection, Gift of Wheelock Whitney III, and Purchase, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. McVeigh, by exchange, 2003