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The image shows a subterranean scene within a cavern, with people gathered inside. The cavernous space dominates the composition, with rocky formations surrounding the figures. The horizon is not visible, as the scene is enclosed within a chamber, capturing the rock formations that recede into the cave's depths. The brushstrokes suggest meticulous detailing, emphasizing textures of the rock surfaces and light-play. The color palette consists of sepia tones, creating a warm, earthy atmosphere. A group of figures is depicted in the center, some illuminated by a fire. In the distance, a small boat with figures inside can be seen.
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The image shows a subterranean scene within a cavern, with people gathered inside. The cavernous space dominates the composition, with rocky formations surrounding the figures. The horizon is not visible, as the scene is enclosed within a chamber, capturing the rock formations that recede into the cave's depths. The brushstrokes suggest meticulous detailing, emphasizing textures of the rock surfaces and light-play. The color palette consists of sepia tones, creating a warm, earthy atmosphere. A group of figures is depicted in the center, some illuminated by a fire. In the distance, a small boat with figures inside can be seen.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Boating Party in an Underground Cave

Joseph Fischer

Date
1794
Medium
etching and aquatint printed in brown on wove paper, mounted on an album sheet with a separate engraved text plate
Dimensions
image: 51.2 x 68 cm (20 3/16 x 26 3/4 in.) sheet: 51.4 x 68.1 cm (20 1/4 x 26 13/16 in.) overall (text plate): 7.8 x 68.1 cm (3 1/16 x 26 13/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
2001.78.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1776 to 1800
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • genre
  • aquatint
  • Austrian
  • Boat
  • Travel
  • Night scene
Provenance

(Susan Schulman, New York); purchased 2001 by NGA.

Inscription

upper left in text plate: Nach der Natur gezeichnet 1792 und gestochen 1794 von JFischer, in Wien; across upper center of text plate: Diese unterirdische Höle ENIODIS genant in Markgrafthum MÄHREN auf den fürstlich SALMISCHEN Gütern naechst dem DORFE OSTROV widmet / Dem Durchlauchtigen Herrn Karl Joseph des H.R.R. Fürsten, und den alten Grafen / zu Salm Reiferscheid, &&&; lower left in text plate: Verlegt bey T. Mollo und Compag. Wien; lower right: Sein unterthänigst gehorsamster Diener Joseph Fischer K.K: Hof Kammer Kupferstecher

NGA object ID 119011. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.