Artwork

Mr. Way and Mr. Booth

Mr. Way and Mr. Booth, by James Wells Champney, ink, 1862
Mr. Way and Mr. Booth, by James Wells Champney, ink, 1862

Mr. Way and Mr. Booth is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist James Wells Champney. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

James Wells Champney’s drawing titled *Mr. Way and Mr. Booth* was executed in 1862. Rendered on paperboard, the work combines graphite underdrawing with pen and black ink overlays, producing a monochrome image that records the artist’s hand and the period’s drawing practices.

Technique & Style

The piece begins with a graphite sketch that establishes the composition, later reinforced by precise pen work. The black ink adds definition and contrast, while the underlying graphite allows for subtle tonal variations. This layered approach reflects mid‑nineteenth‑century academic drawing methods, emphasizing line clarity and controlled shading.

Artist & collection

Portrait of James Wells Champney

Artist

James Wells Champney

James Wells Champney (July 16, 1843 – May 1, 1903) was an American genre artist and illustrator noted for his portraits, oriental scenes and American landscapes.

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