Artwork
Untitled (Landscape with Fisherman)

Untitled (Landscape with Fisherman) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Thomas Charles Farrer. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1885, this untitled work by Thomas Charles Farrer is an etching and drypoint print that depicts a tranquil river landscape. Tall trees border the composition, framing a solitary figure near the water’s edge, possibly engaged in fishing. Beyond the river, a modest building and gently rolling hills complete the scene, rendered in dark linear marks softened by subtle shading.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a quiet, rural moment, emphasizing the relationship between human activity and the natural environment. The lone fisherman, positioned centrally, suggests contemplation or the simple routine of livelihood, while the surrounding trees and distant structures evoke a sense of isolation and harmony within the landscape.
Technique & Style
Farrer employed both etching and drypoint methods, combining acid‑etched lines with the burr‑rich, velvety strokes of a drypoint needle. This dual approach allows for precise detailing of foliage and water surface, while the softer drypoint areas convey atmospheric light and texture—a characteristic approach among late‑19th‑century printmakers seeking to capture fleeting visual impressions.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the United States during a period when American artists were increasingly exploring printmaking as a means of documenting everyday scenes. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is representative of Farrer's broader output in the 1880s, a decade marked by his active engagement with the etching revival and the dissemination of his images through small‑edition prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Charles Farrer (16 December 1838 in London – 16 June 1891 in London) was an English-born painter and teacher of painting who also worked in the United States. Among his students was Francis Lathrop.















