Artwork

Wooded Landscape

Wooded Landscape, by Anthony Devis, graphite, 1773
Wooded Landscape, by Anthony Devis, graphite, 1773

Wooded Landscape is a graphite drawing by the Baroque artist Anthony Devis. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1773, *Wooded Landscape* is a drawing by English artist Anthony Devis. Executed with pen and gray ink, a gray wash, and graphite on wove paper, the work records a tranquil forest scene rendered in a light, sketch‑like manner.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a densely wooded area where slender trunks and tangled branches intersect in varied directions. Leaves are suggested with swift, delicate strokes, giving the impression of a fleeting observation of nature rather than a finished, detailed study.

Technique & Style

Devis employed a combination of pen work, graphite underdrawing, and a subtle gray wash to achieve a soft tonal range. The loose hatching and minimal shading emphasize atmosphere over precise form, reflecting a spontaneous approach typical of his landscape sketches.

History & Provenance

Born in Preston in 1729, Devis was the half‑brother of portraitist Arthur Devis and spent most of his career working in London. Though primarily known for watercolors and oils, this ink and wash drawing illustrates his occasional use of drawing media to capture immediate impressions of the countryside.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Anthony Devis

Artist

Anthony Devis

Anthony Devis (18 March 1729 – 26 April 1816) was an English landscape painter, working especially in watercolor and oils and active in London.

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