Artwork
A Rocky Meadow by a River
A Rocky Meadow by a River is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean Achille Benouville. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Rocky Meadow by a River is a drawing created by Jean Achille Benouville around 1840, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing a serene landscape.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a river meandering through a rocky meadow, with large rocks in the foreground and trees and bushes in the background, evoking a sense of natural tranquility.
Technique & Style
Benouville employed black and white chalk on blue laid paper to achieve a sense of depth and texture, utilizing chiaroscuro to create a dramatic effect through strong contrasts between light and dark.
Context
The drawing's emphasis on the natural world and dramatic lighting is characteristic of the Romanticism movement, reflecting the era's artistic preoccupations.
Artist & collection
