Who painted Summer by the Lakeside?

Summer by the Lakeside was painted by Elbridge Kingsley in 1883.

Where can I see Summer by the Lakeside?

Summer by the Lakeside is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Summer by the Lakeside?

Summer by the Lakeside is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Summer by the Lakeside

Elbridge Kingsley , 1883

Summer by the Lakeside is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Elbridge Kingsley. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

A woman sits on a grassy bank by a calm lake. She wears a long dress and holds a basket of fruit. A small dog curls at her feet.

This 1883 wood engraving shows summer leisure in a quiet, rural spot. The fine lines create soft shadows and smooth textures. It’s a tiny print, only 7 by 10 inches.

Look up how engraving works at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

“Summer by the Lakeside” is a wood‑engraved print executed by American artist Elbridge Kingsley in 1883. Measuring roughly 7 × 10 inches, the work presents a compact, intimate scene rendered in fine linear detail. As a print, it belongs to the tradition of 19th‑century reproductive techniques, allowing multiple copies to be produced from a single carved block.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a young woman seated on a grassy bank beside a placid lake. She is dressed in a long, flowing gown and holds a basket overflowing with fruit, while a small dog curls at her feet. The tranquil setting and leisurely activity evoke the pastoral ideal of summer recreation in a rural environment.

Technique & Style

Kingsley employed the wood‑engraving process, carving the design into a fine‑grained block and printing it with ink on paper. The work’s delicate line work creates subtle gradations of shadow and smooth surface textures, giving the foliage and water a soft, atmospheric quality despite the medium’s inherent crispness.

History & Provenance

Created in 1883, the print reflects the popularity of wood‑engraved illustrations in American publishing during the late nineteenth century. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece has appeared in several collections of American printmaking, illustrating Kingsley’s contribution to the era’s visual culture.

Context

The late 1800s saw a growing interest in depicting everyday leisure scenes, especially those set in bucolic landscapes. Kingsley’s work aligns with this trend, offering a genteel vision of summer that resonated with contemporary audiences seeking escapism from rapid industrialization.