Artwork

The Wave (L'Onda)

The Wave (L'Onda), by Luigi Conconi, ink, 1896
The Wave (L'Onda), by Luigi Conconi, ink, 1896

The Wave (L'Onda) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Luigi Conconi. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Wave (L'Onda) is an etching created by Luigi Conconi in 1896, featuring a dramatic seascape.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a massive, ghostly wave engulfing a small boat, with a dark and turbulent sky illuminated by a sliver of moon. The wave's claw-like crest threatens to consume the vessel, conveying a sense of danger and turmoil.

Technique & Style

Conconi employed monotype inking on wove paper to achieve deep shadows and textured effects, lending the wave a dynamic, almost animate quality. The fading details of the boat as it is drawn under the wave heighten the sense of peril.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Luigi Conconi

Artist

Luigi Conconi

Luigi Conconi (1893–1893) was an artist.

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