Artwork

An Early Riser

An Early Riser, by Francis Seymour Haden, ink, 1897
An Early Riser, by Francis Seymour Haden, ink, 1897

An Early Riser is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Francis Seymour Haden. It dates from 1897 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

An Early Riser is a mezzotint print, potentially combined with etching, executed in green ink by Francis Seymour Haden in 1897. The work captures a serene dawn seascape.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tranquil moment at sea just after sunrise. Soft, misty skies seamlessly merge with dark waters, with indistinct forms (possibly boats or rocks) faintly visible in the distance, evoking a sense of stillness and ambiguity.

Technique & Style

Haden employed a blend of smooth and textured lines to achieve depth, reminiscent of a smudged sketch. The monochromatic green ink enhances the overall sense of calm and unity in the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1897 by Francis Seymour Haden, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The piece reflects Haden's exploration of landscape themes, characteristic of his later work. The use of mezzotint (and possibly etching) aligns with late 19th-century printmaking techniques that emphasized tonal range and subtlety.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of 'An Early Riser' are not provided, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Haden's contributions to the revival of mezzotint in the 19th century.

Artist & collection

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