Artwork

Two Boats at Sail (Les deux Barques a voile)

Two Boats at Sail (Les deux Barques a voile), by Johan Barthold Jongkind, ink, 1862
Two Boats at Sail (Les deux Barques a voile), by Johan Barthold Jongkind, ink, 1862

Two Boats at Sail (Les deux Barques a voile) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Johan Barthold Jongkind. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Two Boats at Sail is an etching created by Johan Barthold Jongkind in 1862.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a serene water scene with two sailboats moving to the right, accompanied by a few buildings and a tree on the left bank.

Technique & Style

Jongkind employed a simple, expressive line technique to convey movement and light, sketching the boats and buildings with quick, suggestive strokes.

Context

As an etching, the work was produced using a technique involving acid and metal plates, a common method for printmaking at the time.

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.