Figure in a classical landscape

1755–65

Not on view

This drawing reflects Cozens’s concern with classical landscape imagery and includes many of the motifs he first encountered during an extended period of study in Italy around 1746. A river winds back from a foreground bank where a large tree frames the image to the right, with a figure in classical dress standing beyond. In the background, an Italianate villa is nestled at the foot of a hill and partly screened by bushes, rocks, and a smaller tree. Stylistically, the drawing resembles Cozens’s work of the 1760s, when the artist was an eager and successful participant in London’s first public art exhibitions. With its precise and tightly controlled linework in brown ink, this enigmatic drawing may have been such an exhibition piece.

Artwork Details

Title: Figure in a classical landscape
Artist: Alexander Cozens (British, Russia 1717–1786 London)
Date: 1755–65
Medium: Brush and brown inks; laid down on original paper mount with double border line in black ink
Dimensions: Sheet: 6 3/4 × 8 1/8 in. (17.2 × 20.7 cm)
Mount: 7 1/16 in. × 8 9/16 in. (18 × 21.7 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Harry G. Sperling Fund, 2017
Object Number: 2017.347
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

By Alexander Cozens

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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Sycamore, Thorn, Walnut and Willow (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Pollard-Willow, Weeping-Willow, Pollard Weeping-Willow and Yew (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Elder, Larch-Fir, Scotch-Fir and Spruce or Norway Fir (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Lime, Holly, Laburnum and Laurel (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

Oak, Pollard-Oak, Palm and Italian Pine (from The Shape, Skeleton and Foliage of Thirty two Species of Trees. For the Use of Painting and Drawing)

Alexander Cozens

1771

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