The image shows a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. Trees are silhouetted against the sky, with the horizon placed low in the composition. The scene features detailed pencil or graphite strokes to illustrate the branches and leaves of the trees. The sketch is monochromatic, using various shades of gray to create depth and texture. The closest trees have sparse branches, blending out into the sky. In the distance, a gradient suggests a lighter sky, creating contrast with the foreground foliage. The overall mood is serene, with a balance of light and shadow.
Read the visual description

The image shows a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. Trees are silhouetted against the sky, with the horizon placed low in the composition. The scene features detailed pencil or graphite strokes to illustrate the branches and leaves of the trees. The sketch is monochromatic, using various shades of gray to create depth and texture. The closest trees have sparse branches, blending out into the sky. In the distance, a gradient suggests a lighter sky, creating contrast with the foreground foliage. The overall mood is serene, with a balance of light and shadow.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

An Evening Landscape with Tall Trees

Myles Birket Foster

Medium
graphite with touches of pen and brown ink on wove paper
Dimensions
sheet: 8.7 x 15 cm (3 7/16 x 5 7/8 in.) mount: 16 x 17.5 cm (6 5/16 x 6 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2009.70.120
Credit line
Joseph F. McCrindle Collection
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • Landscape
  • Tree
  • Forest
Provenance

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

Inscription

by later hand, verso of the mount at upper left, in graphite: 901-

NGA object ID 144273. 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.