Acqua Acetosa
- Artist: Paul-Dominique Gourlier
- Date: 1837
- Medium: Oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is the Acqua Acetosa by Paul-Dominique Gourlier. Painted in 1837, it's a beautiful example of a landscape from one of his first trips to Italy. The painting depicts the site of a mineral spring known as the Acqua Acetosa, near the River Tiber, which is visible in the distance.
Notice how Gourlier uses long flowing brush strokes to outline the swelling land and trace the trails that run across it. This gives the painting a sense of movement and energy. The thick slabs of dark paint used to describe the rock face add depth and texture to the scene.
The artist's use of light and shadow is also noteworthy, particularly in the way he captures the gentle slope of the hillside and the way the trees are scattered across it. It's a peaceful and serene landscape that invites you to step into its tranquil world.
See it in person
Acqua Acetosa 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.
