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.
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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.