Who painted Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point?

Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point was painted by William James Bennett in 1831.

Where can I see Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point?

Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point?

Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point

William James Bennett , 1831

Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William James Bennett. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Baltimore Taken near Whetstone Point is a hand‑colored aquatint print produced in 1831 by the English‑American artist William James Bennett. Executed on laid paper, the work combines aquatint tones with selective engraving details, creating a modestly sized image that records a river scene adjacent to the growing port city of Baltimore.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a tranquil river stretch where several vessels glide toward a bustling urban skyline. On the opposite bank, a solitary figure rests beside low shrubbery while cattle graze beneath a large tree displaying orange‑tinged foliage. The calm atmosphere contrasts with the implied commercial activity of the harbor, suggesting a moment of repose amid expanding trade.

Technique & Style

Bennett employed the aquatint process to achieve broad, watercolor‑like washes, then added fine lines through engraving to render precise elements such as sail folds and architectural outlines. Hand‑coloring accentuates the foliage and sky, while the laid‑paper texture contributes subtle tonal variation, illustrating the artist’s skill in merging printmaking methods for a nuanced visual effect.

History & Provenance

Created shortly after Bennett’s relocation to the United States, the print reflects his interest in documenting American urban growth. It was likely issued as part of a series of views intended for collectors and travelers interested in the emerging port of Baltimore. The work has since entered public collections, serving as a visual record of early 19th‑century maritime commerce.