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The image is viewed from an elevated perspective, showing a landscape with intricate details. The horizon is near the top third of the image, blending with foliage. The brushstrokes are bold and dynamic, capturing the movement of leaves and branches. The color palette is dominated by sepia tones, creating a warm atmosphere. A figure stands in the foreground. In the distance, trees frame the sky with subtle cloud formations. The scene is serene, inviting exploration of light, shadow, and texture.
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The image is viewed from an elevated perspective, showing a landscape with intricate details. The horizon is near the top third of the image, blending with foliage. The brushstrokes are bold and dynamic, capturing the movement of leaves and branches. The color palette is dominated by sepia tones, creating a warm atmosphere. A figure stands in the foreground. In the distance, trees frame the sky with subtle cloud formations. The scene is serene, inviting exploration of light, shadow, and texture.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Clearing in a Forest

John Varley

Date
late 1830s
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 11.1 x 15.8 cm (4 3/8 x 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1995.52.181
Credit line
Gift of William B. O'Neal
Time span
1826 to 1850
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • Landscape
  • United Kingdom
  • landscape
Provenance

John Linnell; by descent to James Linnell; by descent to his daughter, Mrs. Edith Bell; (Thos. Agnew & Sons Ltd., London); purchased by William B. O'Neal, Charlottesville, VA, 1980-1994; gift to NGA, 1995.

NGA object ID 76171. 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.