A Road in the Roman Campagna
- Artist: Eugène-Ferdinand Buttura
- Date: about 1840
- Medium: Oil on paper laid on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Road in the Roman Campagna" by Eugène-Ferdinand Buttura. Painted around 1840, it's a beautiful example of Italian Romanticism. The artist was actually staying at the Villa Medici in Rome when he created this piece.
Notice how the scrubby trees line the roadway, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. And look closely at the gulley running along the edge - it's just a single curving line of paint, but it really captures the dry, arid feel of a Roman summer's afternoon.
Buttura was fascinated by the landscape of Italy, and his paintings often reflect that interest. This one is no exception - the way he uses light and shadow to create a sense of space is really quite striking.
See it in person
A Road in the Roman Campagna hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
