Artwork

Study, North Conway, New Hampshire

Study, North Conway, New Hampshire, by David Johnson, unspecified, 1851
Study, North Conway, New Hampshire, by David Johnson, unspecified, 1851

Study, North Conway, New Hampshire is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist David Johnson. It dates from 1851 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Travel guides warned people about the dangers of places like this, but Johnson focused on the quiet details instead.

You see a rocky riverbed in North Conway, New Hampshire—boulders, moss, broken branches, and thick bushes.

Johnson painted this spot in 1851, when tourists were just starting to visit the White Mountains. Travel guides warned people about the dangers of places like this, but Johnson focused on the quiet details instead. The way he shows light and shadow makes the scene feel real, almost like you could step into it.

If you like this, check out other works in the subject: america, american.

Overview

Study, North Conway, New Hampshire is a painting by Johnson, created in 1851, depicting a rugged riverbed in the White Mountains, a region increasingly popular with tourists at the time.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on the serene, untamed details of a riverbed, contrasting with contemporary warnings about the dangers of exploring such wilderness areas. Johnson emphasizes the natural beauty of the scene over its potential hazards.

Technique & Style

Johnson's meticulous observation of nature is apparent in the detailed rendering of boulders, moss, branches, and undergrowth. His use of light and shadow creates a sense of realism, inviting the viewer into the scene.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1851, the work captures a moment when tourism in the White Mountains was burgeoning. The location, North Conway, served as a key entry point for these early tourists.

Context

Contemporary travel guides cautioned against the perils of 'wild forest-clambering' in areas like the one depicted, yet Johnson's work reflects a calm, observational approach to the natural world.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Johnson

Artist

David Johnson

David Johnson (May 10, 1827 – January 30, 1908) was an American painter, a member of the second generation of Hudson River School painters.

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