Artwork
View of a Waterfall, Austria
View of a Waterfall, Austria is an ink print by the Baroque artist Melchior Küsel. It dates from 1681 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The trees are dense, their branches twisting in every direction, and the water looks rough and fast-moving.
This black-and-white print shows a wild, tangled forest with a waterfall pouring down rocky cliffs. The trees are dense, their branches twisting in every direction, and the water looks rough and fast-moving. A small path winds through the scene, leading toward the falls.
The text at the bottom names it a "prospect of a waterfall" in Austria, made in 1681. The artist used a technique that creates fine lines and shading, giving the scene depth without color.
Next, check out etching to see how artists like this one made detailed prints.
Overview
View of a Waterfall, Austria is an etching by Melchior Küsel, created in 1681. The print depicts a rugged landscape scene.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows a dense forest with a waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs, featuring twisting tree branches and turbulent water. A winding path leads to the falls, suggesting a connection between the natural scene and potential viewers or travelers.
Technique & Style
The artist employed etching techniques to achieve fine lines and shading, creating depth in the black-and-white composition. The use of this technique allowed for detailed rendering of the landscape's textures and features.
History & Provenance
The print is dated to 1681 and is identified as a 'prospect of a waterfall' in Austria, as indicated by the text at the bottom of the image.
Artist & collection
