This is a drawing of two figures near a large wooden boat. The scene depicts two figures, one standing knee-deep in water, engaged in an activity at the water's surface while another figure sits on the edge of a shoreline or a dock, observing. The large wooden boat dominates the background, displaying intricate line work capturing the planks and texture. The water shows ripples and reflections, elegantly rendered through delicate lines and shading. The drawing uses a monochromatic palette, likely created with pen or etching, emphasizing the play of light and shadow.
Read the visual description

This is a drawing of two figures near a large wooden boat. The scene depicts two figures, one standing knee-deep in water, engaged in an activity at the water's surface while another figure sits on the edge of a shoreline or a dock, observing. The large wooden boat dominates the background, displaying intricate line work capturing the planks and texture. The water shows ripples and reflections, elegantly rendered through delicate lines and shading. The drawing uses a monochromatic palette, likely created with pen or etching, emphasizing the play of light and shadow.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Bathing at Talloires (La baignade à Talloires)

Albert Besnard

Date
1888
Medium
etching and drypoint on wove paper
Dimensions
plate: 15.6 × 23.9 cm (6 1/8 × 9 7/16 in.) sheet: 26.3 × 42.5 cm (10 3/8 × 16 3/4 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.1467
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1876 to 1900
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • figure
  • Seated figure
  • Water
  • Boat
  • Rock
Provenance

Louis E. Stern [1886-1962], New York City; (sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries, New York, 19 November 1936 lot 38); Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], Jenkintown, PA; gift to NGA, 1943.

Inscription

"ABesnard" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand. Not dated. "(No. 38) C.I. No.4." lower left margin, graphite, artist's hand. "La Baignade à Talloires Delteil 80" lower right margin, graphite, unknown hand.

Marks

"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink, stamped twice, (Lugt 1760b). "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink, (Lugt 1932d).

Watermarks

None.

NGA object ID 4611. 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.