Artwork

Grey's Quick Step

Grey's Quick Step, by W. Jr. Lydston, ink, 1839
Grey's Quick Step, by W. Jr. Lydston, ink, 1839

Grey's Quick Step is an ink print by the Romanticist artist W. Jr. Lydston. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This image shows a group of soldiers marching in a wooded area between two towns labeled "Haverhill" and "Exeter.

This image shows a group of soldiers marching in a wooded area between two towns labeled "Haverhill" and "Exeter." Some soldiers are standing, others are playing instruments, and a few are resting. Trees, rocks, and a fence line the path, with buildings visible in the distance.

The text at the bottom says it’s called *Grey’s Quick Step*, dedicated to a captain and his unit. It was made as sheet music for piano in 1839.

Next, look up lithography to see how this image was printed.

Overview

Grey's Quick Step is a lithograph created in 1839 by W. Jr. Lydston, printed on sheet music for piano.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a military band marching between Haverhill and Exeter, with soldiers standing, playing instruments, or resting, set against a backdrop of trees, rocks, and buildings.

Technique & Style

The work is a lithograph, a printmaking technique that involves transferring an image from stone or metal to paper, in this case, resulting in a black image on folded wove sheet music.

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.