Who painted Near the Coast [large plate]?

Near the Coast [large plate] was painted by Robert Swain Gifford in 1886.

Where can I see Near the Coast [large plate]?

Near the Coast [large plate] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Near the Coast [large plate]?

Near the Coast [large plate] is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Near the Coast [large plate]?

Museum-quality prints of Near the Coast [large plate] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Near the Coast [large plate]

Robert Swain Gifford , 1886

Near the Coast [large plate] is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Robert Swain Gifford. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Near the Coast (large plate) is an 1886 etching executed by American landscape artist Robert Swain Gifford. The work presents a tranquil coastal scene, rendered in monochrome tones typical of the medium, and measures as a sizable plate within Gifford’s print oeuvre.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a solitary tree whose branches reach upward, set against a foreground of grass and low shrubs. Beyond the vegetation, a body of water extends toward the horizon, while a cloud‑filled sky and distant birds suggest a quiet, natural environment.

Technique & Style

Gifford employed the etching process to achieve a range of tonal values, from deep shadows in the tree’s foliage to lighter washes in the sky. The lines are rendered with a fluid, expressive hand, allowing texture and depth to emerge through varied hatchings and washes.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the print reflects Gifford’s interest in coastal subjects during his mature period. It entered the museum’s collection through a donation in the early twentieth century, where it has been displayed as part of the institution’s American landscape holdings.