The image depicts a woodland scene with a calm stream or river. The perspective is from slightly above water level, with the surface of the water mirroring the surrounding trees. The horizon is hidden by the dense forest in the distance. A solitary figure stands in the forest. The trees are detailed with robust, curving trunks and branches extending outward, casting shadowy patterns. The brushstrokes emphasize texture and depth, with light and shadow creating complexity. The color palette is sepia-toned, lending the image a warm and timeless quality.
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The image depicts a woodland scene with a calm stream or river. The perspective is from slightly above water level, with the surface of the water mirroring the surrounding trees. The horizon is hidden by the dense forest in the distance. A solitary figure stands in the forest. The trees are detailed with robust, curving trunks and branches extending outward, casting shadowy patterns. The brushstrokes emphasize texture and depth, with light and shadow creating complexity. The color palette is sepia-toned, lending the image a warm and timeless quality.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Woodland River with a Fisherman

Adolphe Appian

Medium
charcoal, chalk, and brushed washes with scratching out on wove paper
Dimensions
overall: 40.2 x 65.2 cm (15 13/16 x 25 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1989.16.1
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1801 to 1825
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • Landscape
  • topographical
  • landscape
Inscription

lower right in charcoal: Appian; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: (undeciphered)

NGA object ID 70993. 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.