Artwork
White Mountains from Fernald's Hill
White Mountains from Fernald's Hill is a watercolor drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles de Wolf Brownell. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
White Mountains from Fernald’s Hill is a watercolor work on wove paper executed by American artist Charles de Wolf Brownell in 1860. The piece presents a view of the White Mountains, rendered in the transparent washes characteristic of the medium.
Technique & Style
Brownell employed the fluidity of watercolor to capture atmospheric light and the subtle gradations of the mountainous landscape. The use of wove paper provides a smooth surface that supports fine detail while allowing the pigments to spread evenly, creating a delicate balance between line and color.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, the drawing reflects Brownell’s interest in New England scenery during a period when American artists increasingly turned to native landscapes for subject matter. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s own collection before entering public holdings, where it has been documented as part of the museum’s early American art holdings.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Charles de Wolf Brownell (1822–1909) was an artist, born in Providence.
