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The image is a pencil sketch of tree branches and leaves. The view is directed upwards, capturing the intricate network of branches and foliage with detailed pencil work. The brushstrokes are delicate and precise, emphasizing the texture and form of the leaves. The color palette is monochromatic, using variations of gray on a beige background to create depth and subtle shadowing. The absence of bold colors or strong contrasts allows the viewer to appreciate the detail and texture of the leaves.
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The image is a pencil sketch of tree branches and leaves. The view is directed upwards, capturing the intricate network of branches and foliage with detailed pencil work. The brushstrokes are delicate and precise, emphasizing the texture and form of the leaves. The color palette is monochromatic, using variations of gray on a beige background to create depth and subtle shadowing. The absence of bold colors or strong contrasts allows the viewer to appreciate the detail and texture of the leaves.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

Birch Boughs, Catskill Mountains

John William Casilear

Date
1856
Medium
graphite on wove paper
Dimensions
sheet: 36.35 × 27.31 cm (14 5/16 × 10 3/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
2015.19.586
Credit line
Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Membership Association Fund, 1949)
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CG-W
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • plant
  • Branches
  • Catskills
  • landscape
Provenance

(The Old Print Shop, New York); Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1949; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Inscription

lower left in graphite: Birch boughs; lower right in graphite: Catskill Mountains, July 29th 1856; lower right in graphite by unknown hand: A; upper left verso in graphite by unknown hand: TL. 6558.A-94; lower center verso in graphite by unknown hand: 18x22

NGA object ID 198346. 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.