Artwork
The Salt Pond from the Salt Pond Knob, No. 2
The Salt Pond from the Salt Pond Knob, No. 2 is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Edward Beyer. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1857, *The Salt Pond from the Salt Pond Knob, No.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1857, *The Salt Pond from the Salt Pond Knob, No. 2* is a color lithograph executed on wove paper. The work presents a tranquil Southern landscape, featuring gentle hills, a cloudy sky, and a salt pond surrounded by figures both near and distant. The composition conveys a calm atmosphere, inviting viewers to observe the quiet scene.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays a modest gathering of people beside a salt pond, set within a broader view of rolling terrain. The inclusion of everyday activity amid natural surroundings reflects mid‑nineteenth‑century interest in documenting regional environments and the relationship between human presence and the Southern landscape.
Technique & Style
Beyer employed the color lithography process, layering pigments on wove paper to achieve subtle tonal variations and a sense of depth. The lithographic technique allows for fine detail in the sky and foliage while maintaining a soft, textured surface that enhances the overall serenity of the scene.
History & Provenance
German‑born landscape painter Edward Beyer produced the lithograph while working in the United States, where he was known for images of the Antebellum South. The work forms part of a larger series that records Southern topography during the mid‑1800s, contributing to visual records of the period’s geography and cultural landscape.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Beyer (1820–1865) was a German landscape painter who was active in the United States and became known for his depiction of the Antebellum South.
