Who painted Kauterskill Clove?

Kauterskill Clove was painted by Jervis McEntee in 1860.

Where can I see Kauterskill Clove?

Kauterskill Clove is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Kauterskill Clove?

Kauterskill Clove is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Kauterskill Clove?

Museum-quality prints of Kauterskill Clove are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Kauterskill Clove

Jervis McEntee , 1860

Kauterskill Clove is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist Jervis McEntee. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Kauterskill Clove, executed in 1860 by American artist Jervis McEntee, is a modestly sized drawing that combines graphite and gouache on wove paper. The work presents a stark winter scene rendered in a restrained palette, emphasizing line and texture over dramatic lighting. Its compact format and muted tones reflect the artist’s interest in quiet, contemplative landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on three slender, leaf‑stripped trees standing in close proximity. Their twisted trunks and angular branches suggest a wind‑bent posture, evoking a sense of resilience amid a barren environment. The bare ground, hinted at with a faint, uneven texture, reinforces the austere atmosphere, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet endurance of nature in winter.

Technique & Style

McEntee employed fine graphite lines to delineate the trees’ contorted forms, while delicate washes of gouache provide a soft, watercolor‑like wash of muted tones. The wove paper, bearing a subtle yellowed hue, contributes to the work’s aged appearance. Light coloration and the absence of strong chiaroscuro keep the image understated, focusing attention on line work and surface texture.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, Kauterskill Clove belongs to McEntee’s early period, when he frequently explored rural New York scenery. The drawing has remained in private collections before entering a museum holding of American landscape drawings, where it serves as an example of the artist’s transitional use of mixed media on paper.