Artwork

Bolling's Dam, Petersburgh, Virginia

Bolling's Dam, Petersburgh, Virginia, by John Hill, ink, 1821
Bolling's Dam, Petersburgh, Virginia, by John Hill, ink, 1821

Bolling's Dam, Petersburgh, Virginia is an ink print by the Romanticist artist John Hill. It dates from 1821 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Bolling's Dam, Petersburgh, Virginia is a hand-colored engraving and aquatint on wove paper, created by John Hill in 1821. The print captures a serene landscape centered on a dam.

Subject & Meaning

The scene focuses on a dam in the foreground, surrounded by natural elements (trees, rocks, and a small waterfall), with buildings in the background. The composition conveys a sense of tranquility and peacefulness.

Technique & Style

The print features muted colors, predominantly shades of green, brown, and gray, achieved through hand-coloring and aquatint techniques. This aesthetic aligns with the emphasis on natural beauty characteristic of the Romantic era.

History & Provenance

Created in 1821 by John Hill, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The work's emphasis on serene natural landscapes and use of aquatint for nuanced tonality situates it within the broader artistic trends of the early 19th century, particularly resonating with the Romantic movement's values.

Legacy

While specific legacy or impact of 'Bolling's Dam' is not detailed, it contributes to the historical record of early 19th-century printmaking and the Romantic aesthetic in American art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of John Hill

Artist

John Hill

John Hill (1821–1821) was an artist.

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