Artwork

The Angler

The Angler, by Joachim Franz Beich, ink, 1712
The Angler, by Joachim Franz Beich, ink, 1712

The Angler is an ink print by the Baroque artist Joachim Franz Beich. It dates from 1712 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Angler, an etching on laid paper by Joachim Franz Beich, dates to circa 1712 and is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

Depicting a serene riverside scene, the print shows a solitary figure engaged in fishing, set against a backdrop of bare trees, hilly terrain, and a cloudy sky. The composition emphasizes the figure's smallness within the vast, untamed natural environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the etching utilizes nuanced shading to convey depth, particularly in the textured rendering of trees and rocks, achieving a detailed visual effect despite the monochromatic palette.

History & Provenance

Created around 1712, the work is now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, having been laid down on a Phillips's album sheet at some point in its history.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.