Artwork

A Cascade in the Mountains

A Cascade in the Mountains, by Henri-Joseph Harpignies, ink, 1874
A Cascade in the Mountains, by Henri-Joseph Harpignies, ink, 1874

A Cascade in the Mountains is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Henri-Joseph Harpignies. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Cascade in the Mountains is a drawing by Henri-Joseph Harpignies, created around 1874 using watercolor, pen, and black ink on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a waterfall cascading down rocky terrain, surrounded by trees and a pale sky, capturing the natural forms of the landscape.

Technique & Style

Harpignies employed loose, expressive ink lines and soft watercolor washes, allowing the texture of the paper to remain visible and contributing to the natural, rough quality of the scene.

Context

The work was likely created outdoors near the forest of Fontainebleau, a location also frequented by Impressionist artists, although Harpignies' style focused on the enduring shapes of nature rather than fleeting effects of light.

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.