Artwork

Crossing the James River

Crossing the James River, by British 19th Century, watercolor, 1878
Crossing the James River, by British 19th Century, watercolor, 1878

Crossing the James River is a watercolor drawing by the Impressionist artist British 19th Century. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Crossing the James River is a watercolor drawing on wove paper depicting a serene river scene.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows a wagon being ferried across a calm river, accompanied by horses and people, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and distant mountains, evoking a sense of everyday life in a natural setting.

Technique & Style

The watercolor's soft, blended colors and loose brushstrokes create a gentle, dreamy atmosphere, characteristic of a style popular in the late 1800s for capturing natural scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of British 19th Century

Artist

British 19th Century

This artist’s short life left behind a quiet obsession with water—whether the churn of a mill wheel, the choppy waves off England’s south coast, or the way light bounces off pond lilies.

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