The image displays a landscape from an elevated point of view, focusing on a cluster of structures with an ancient or ruined appearance. The horizon is low, marked by jagged, rocky formations. The brushstrokes are loose and textured, with soft edges blending the elements. The color palette consists of muted earth tones—shades of gray, brown, and hints of yellow. In the distance, the land rises into dark, rolling hills or cliffs, with a reflective body of water adding depth to the composition.
Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Buildings by Moonlight

Thomas Moran (American, born England, 1837 - 1926)

c. 1875

Medium
black ink wash and watercolor on wove paper
Classification
Drawing
Dimensions
sheet: 13.02 × 17.62 cm (5 1/8 × 6 15/16 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
Corcoran Collection (Gift of Milch Galleries, 1949)
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

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