Artwork
Night-Time Boat Ride
Night-Time Boat Ride is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Carl August Lebschée. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Night-Time Boat Ride is an 1828 etching on wove paper by Carl August Lebschée, depicting a serene nocturnal river scene.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays a solitary figure rowing a small boat at night, set against a backdrop of riverbank buildings and trees. The contrast between the dark, swirling clouds and the moonlit water evokes a contemplative mood, emphasizing the emotional and atmospheric qualities characteristic of Romantic-era art.
Technique & Style
Lebschée employed expressive shading techniques to achieve depth and vitality in the night scene. This approach, typical of Romantic printmaking, prioritizes capturing the essence of nature and mood over precise detail. The etching process, involving incising a design onto a copper plate, allowed for the subtle textures and tonal variations present in the work.
History & Provenance
Created in 1828, the etching's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation within the Romantic period's artistic tendencies.
Context
Night-Time Boat Ride reflects the Romantic emphasis on nature, solitude, and emotional resonance. The piece aligns with the period's fascination with the sublime and the expressive potential of nocturnal landscapes.
Artist & collection
