Artwork

Mountain Stream

Mountain Stream, by Alexandre Calame, ink, 1840
Mountain Stream, by Alexandre Calame, ink, 1840

Mountain Stream is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Alexandre Calame. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Mountain Stream is an etching with roulette on chine collé, created by Alexandre Calame in 1840. The print depicts a serene natural setting, characterized by a winding stream, surrounding foliage, and distant mountains.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a tranquil forest landscape with a meandering stream, tall trees, and rolling hills receding into a misty sky. The composition conveys a sense of peacefulness and harmony with nature.

Technique & Style

Calame employed etching with roulette to achieve detailed textures, notably in the water's movement and foliage's density. Fine lines and gentle light contribute to the overall naturalistic and serene atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in 1840 by Alexandre Calame, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Mountain Stream reflects 19th-century European artistic interests in naturalistic landscapes, potentially aligning with the era's emphasis on capturing the sublime in nature.

Legacy

The legacy of Mountain Stream is not explicitly detailed in the provided information, though it may contribute to the broader understanding of Calame's contribution to 19th-century etching techniques and landscape art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Alexandre Calame

Artist

Alexandre Calame

Alexandre Calame (1810–1864) was an artist, born in Vevey.

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