Potomac River Below Harper's Ferry

The work depicts a specific segment of the Potomac River downstream from the historic town of Harper’s Ferry, emphasizing the natural serenity of the landscape rather than human activity. By focusing on the unadorned riverbanks and modest vegetation, Bunner underscores the quiet, unspoiled character of the region during the post‑Civil War era.

Executed with graphite on wove paper, the drawing relies on swift, fine lines to render texture and form. The artist’s handling of light marks creates a sense of atmospheric depth, while the muted tonal range and the paper’s yellowed patina, acquired over time, enhance the work’s subdued, observational quality.

Created in 1867, the drawing reflects Bunner’s interest in documenting American landscapes shortly after the nation’s reconstruction. The piece has remained in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it is displayed among other 19th‑century works that illustrate the period’s topographical studies.

Bunner’s river scene aligns with a broader 19th‑century American tradition of field sketches that recorded the country’s geography for both artistic and scientific purposes. The choice of the Potomac near Harper’s Ferry—a site of strategic and historical significance—adds a layer of cultural resonance to the otherwise purely natural depiction.