
Read the visual description
The image is of a rocky woodland opening up to a narrow sunlit river. The horizon is not clearly visible due to the dense trees and foliage arching over the waterway and landscape. In the distance, a person on horseback is seen riding the path along the river, which displays bright yellow and blue hues. The painting features detailed brushstrokes defining the branches and rocks, with a rich color palette of earthy tones such as greens, browns, and deep blues, along with golden reflections on the river and autumnal colors in the foliage. The composition conveys a tranquil and secluded atmosphere, highlighting the beauty of the natural surroundings.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Stream through a Dense Forest
François-Louis Français
- Date
- 1884
- Medium
- watercolor and gouache with pen and gray and black ink
- Dimensions
- overall: 46 x 34.5 cm (18 1/8 x 13 9/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 2013.100.2
- Credit line
- Purchased as a Gift in Memory of Melvin R. Seiden
- Time span
- 1876 to 1900
- Department
- CG-E
Provenance
(Galerie Terrades, Paris); Mr. and Mrs. James T. Dyke, Little Rock, from 2003; purchased 2013 by NGA.
NGA object ID 152293. 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.