Artwork
Kaatskill Fall; and In the Kaatskill Clove
Kaatskill Fall; and In the Kaatskill Clove is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Andrew Fisher Bunner. It dates from 1866 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1866, the drawing titled Kaatskill Fall; and In the Kaatskill Clove is executed in graphite on wove paper. The work presents a dual perspective of a riverine landscape in the Catskill region, juxtaposing a cascading waterfall with a quieter stretch of riverbank populated by trees and boulders.
Subject & Meaning
The upper panel depicts a steep cliff from which water tumbles, emphasizing the power of the falls and the diminutive figure standing at its base, underscoring humanity’s smallness within nature. The lower panel shifts focus to a more tranquil scene where foliage and stone outline the river’s edge, inviting contemplation of the landscape’s varied moods.
Technique & Style
Bunner employs swift, light graphite strokes that suggest the texture of rock surfaces and the movement of water. The drawing’s surface bears signs of handling, indicating frequent reference or study. The sketch-like quality reflects a practice of rapid observation, capturing atmospheric effects rather than detailed rendering.
History & Provenance
The piece originates from the mid‑nineteenth‑century American landscape tradition, a period when artists frequently documented the Catskills as emblematic wilderness. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains attributed to Andrew Fisher Bunner, an itinerant sketcher known for his on‑site landscape studies.
Artist & collection
![Catskill Mountains, Round-Top in the Distance; Catskills Looking North from Palenville; and Round Top, Catskills, from the Road to Bracketts [verso], by Andrew Fisher Bunner](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/andrew-fisher-bunner--catskill-mountains-round-top-in-the-distance-catskills-looki--6573d51b388ff9bd-w320.webp)
