The image shows a landscape with a slightly elevated vantage point. A tall tree is depicted on the left side with soft brushstrokes for its branches and foliage. Adjacent to the tree, a building's steeple is visible. In the middle of the composition, a bridge spans the scene, connecting the land on the left to a distance bank of trees. The strokes give a sketch-like quality to the scene, capturing it with fluidity and softness. The color palette is predominantly charcoal gray, black, and natural paper tone. Two figures walk on a path close to the viewer, with a river and vague structures in the background. Distant structures or homes are faintly outlined, creating depth in the landscape.
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The image shows a landscape with a slightly elevated vantage point. A tall tree is depicted on the left side with soft brushstrokes for its branches and foliage. Adjacent to the tree, a building's steeple is visible. In the middle of the composition, a bridge spans the scene, connecting the land on the left to a distance bank of trees. The strokes give a sketch-like quality to the scene, capturing it with fluidity and softness. The color palette is predominantly charcoal gray, black, and natural paper tone. Two figures walk on a path close to the viewer, with a river and vague structures in the background. Distant structures or homes are faintly outlined, creating depth in the landscape.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Landscape with a River

French 19th Century

Medium
charcoal with stumping on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 24.9 x 31.6 cm (9 13/16 x 12 7/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2009.70.23
Credit line
Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
Time span
1551 to 1600
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Landscape
  • Tree
  • River
  • Building
  • Figures
Provenance

Joseph F. McCrindle [1923-2008], New York; Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, 2008; gift to NGA, 2009.

NGA object ID 143759. 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.