Artwork

Pennsylvania Landscape

Pennsylvania Landscape, by Thomas Doughty, ink, 1820
Pennsylvania Landscape, by Thomas Doughty, ink, 1820

Pennsylvania Landscape is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Thomas Doughty. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Pennsylvania Landscape is an etching by Thomas Doughty, created around 1820. It is a print on wove paper, rendered in black.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a serene landscape with rolling hills, trees, and bushes. A winding path traverses the scene, accompanied by a fence and small buildings. The artist's attention to natural details suggests an emphasis on observation and representation of the American environment.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by hand-drawn lines of varying density, resulting in a textured appearance. The etching technique, which involves drawing on a metal plate with acid-resistant material and then etching the design with acid, allows for intricate detail and expressive linework.

Context

The work reflects a style common in early 19th-century American art, where artists often traveled to capture real landscapes. Doughty's focus on natural details and textures is consistent with this approach.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Thomas Doughty

Artist

Thomas Doughty

American, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1793–1856 New York

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