Artwork
Upper Saranac Lake
Upper Saranac Lake is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Homer Dodge Martin. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The paper has a warm, aged tone, and the lines are light and quick—like a quick note of what the artist saw.
This sketch shows a quiet lake with a line of trees along its edge. Behind them, rolling hills fade into distant mountains. The paper has a warm, aged tone, and the lines are light and quick—like a quick note of what the artist saw.
The artist signed it "Upper Saranac Lake" in the corner, dated 1861. The loose, sketchy style suggests they were working fast, maybe outdoors.
Next, check out the movement: Impressionism, Realism to see how this fits into bigger art trends.
Overview
Upper Saranac Lake is a graphite drawing on wove paper created by Homer Dodge Martin in 1861.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a serene lake scene with trees along its edge, backed by rolling hills and distant mountains, capturing a moment in the natural landscape.
Technique & Style
Executed in a loose, sketchy style with light and quick lines, the work conveys a sense of spontaneity, possibly indicating it was created outdoors.
History & Provenance
The artist signed and dated the drawing 'Upper Saranac Lake 1861', providing a clear attribution and date.
Artist & collection
Artist
Homer Dodge Martin (October 28, 1836 – February 12, 1897) was an American artist, particularly known for his landscape paintings. Examples of Martin's work are in many important American museums.
