Artwork
Two Children in the Snow
Two Children in the Snow is an ink drawing by the Romanticist artist George Du Maurier. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
George du Maurier’s drawing Two Children in the Snow, executed in 1865, depicts a winter scene centred on two young figures. Rendered on wove paper, the work measures a modest size typical of intimate studies and presents a quiet moment of childhood amid a snowy landscape.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a combination of graphite underdrawing and pen‑filled black ink, then enhanced the surface by scraping away portions of the ink to reveal highlights—a process known as scratching‑out. This method creates delicate contrasts and texture, aligning the piece with the Romantic era’s emphasis on atmosphere and emotional nuance.
Context
Created during the mid‑nineteenth century, the drawing reflects Romanticism’s fascination with nature, childhood innocence, and the sublime qualities of weather. Du Maurier, better known for his illustrations and later novels, applied the movement’s sensibilities to a modest, observational work that captures a fleeting, personal scene rather than grand historical narrative.
Artist & collection
