Pirna: The Obertor from the South

Bernardo Bellotto

Created:
Movement:
1757
Realism
key Notes:
Architectural precision, Atmospheric perspective
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Dimensions:
18 1/4 x 30 3/4 in. (46.4 x 78.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Pirna: The Obertor from the South" is a painting by Bernardo Bellotto, created in the mid-1750s. Bellotto, an Italian painter and printmaker, was known for his detailed cityscapes and landscapes. This work depicts the Obertor, a prominent gate in the town of Pirna, located in Saxony, Germany. The painting showcases Bellotto's mastery of perspective and architectural representation. It reflects the Baroque style, characterized by dramatic lighting and meticulous attention to detail. The exact date of creation is not definitively known, but it is believed to have been completed between 1753 and 1758. The painting is part of a series of works that document the architecture and urban landscapes of various European cities. Bellotto's works were often commissioned by aristocrats and are valued for their historical significance. The current location of "Pirna: The Obertor from the South" is in a private collection or museum, but specific details about its provenance may not be publicly available.

Description of the work:

"Pirna: The Obertor from the South" by Bernardo Bellotto is an oil on canvas painting created in the mid-1750s. The composition features a detailed view of the Obertor, a prominent city gate in Pirna, Germany. The painting is characterized by its meticulous attention to architectural detail and the interplay of light and shadow. Bellotto employs a vibrant color palette, with warm tones dominating the foreground and cooler hues in the background. The scene is populated with figures engaged in various activities, adding a sense of life and movement to the urban landscape. The sky is rendered with soft, atmospheric clouds, enhancing the overall depth of the composition. The painting exemplifies Bellotto's skill in capturing the essence of 18th-century urban life and his mastery of perspective.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Pirna: The Obertor from the South