The vitality of Rosa's landscapes is indebted to his practice of constantly drawing the world around him, incorporating fresh observations of nature into his wild and awe-inspiring mature landscapes. Rosa's drawings from the 1650s showcase his interest in capturing the mysterious and savage qualities of nature. Through sinewy paths or anthropomorphic cliffs, the environment overwhelms the small figures, evoking the power and magical qualities of nature.
Credit: Dudley P. Allen Fund
mid-1600s
Pen and brown ink and brush and gray and brown wash, traces of framing lines in brown ink
18.4 x 12.5cm
1975.17
Image and text: The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2023
Where you'll find this
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Permanent collection