Artwork
Wintergreens
Wintergreens is an ink print by Bolton Brown. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1916, *Wintergreens* is a lithographic print by American artist Bolton Coit Brown. Executed in a restrained tonal range, the image presents a modest still‑life of hardy foliage. The work exemplifies Brown’s dual interests in fine art and the natural world, reflecting his reputation as both a painter and a dedicated mountaineer.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a collection of wintergreen plants, noted for retaining their verdant hue throughout the colder months. By isolating these resilient leaves against a muted background, the print underscores themes of endurance and quiet vitality in a landscape stripped of vibrant color.
Technique & Style
Brown employed the lithographic process, drawing directly onto a prepared stone surface with greasy media before treating the stone to accept ink only where the image was rendered. The resulting print features soft, pencil‑like lines and a seamless gradation from green to gray, achieving a smooth, even surface that emphasizes subtle texture over dramatic contrast.
History & Provenance
Bolton Coit Brown, a founding member of the Byrdcliffe Colony in Woodstock, New York, produced *Wintergreens* during his active period as a printmaker. The work later entered the collections associated with the Woodstock Art Colony, reflecting the artist’s involvement in early 20th‑century American arts communities.
Context
The early 1910s saw a resurgence of interest in American printmaking, with artists exploring natural subjects through lithography. Brown’s *Wintergreens* aligns with this trend, marrying his mountaineering experience with a visual focus on the modest flora that thrives in rugged, wintry environments.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Bolton Coit Brown (November 27, 1864 – September 15, 1936) was an American painter, lithographer, and mountaineer.
