Artwork
Durham, England
Durham, England is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Samuel Colman. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Samuel Colman’s 1880 print titled Durham, England presents a detailed cityscape rendered in black on laid paper. Executed through a combination of etching and drypoint, the work captures the historic skyline of Durham, with its river and prominent architectural forms, in a monochrome composition that emphasizes line and texture.
Subject & Meaning
The image focuses on Durham’s medieval architecture, depicting its stone buildings and riverine setting with careful attention to structural detail. By highlighting the city’s historic fabric, the print reflects an outsider’s observational study, offering a visual record of the urban environment as seen by an American artist traveling abroad.
Technique & Style
Colman employed both etching and drypoint to achieve a range of line qualities; the etched areas provide fine, consistent strokes, while the drypoint work adds richer, velvety lines and subtle tonal variations. The use of laid paper contributes a textured surface that interacts with the ink, enhancing the depth of the architectural forms.
History & Provenance
Created during Colman’s European travels in the late nineteenth century, the print was likely produced for the artist’s personal documentation of his journey. It has since entered public collections, serving as an example of transatlantic artistic exchange and the American printmaker’s engagement with European historic sites.
Artist & collection
Artist
Samuel Colman (March 4, 1832 – March 26, 1920) was an American painter, interior designer, and writer, probably best remembered for his paintings of the Hudson River.
