Artwork

Untitled (Wooden House in City)

Untitled (Wooden House in City), by Charles Frederick William Mielatz, ink, 1884
Untitled (Wooden House in City), by Charles Frederick William Mielatz, ink, 1884

Untitled (Wooden House in City) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Charles Frederick William Mielatz. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled (Wooden House in City) is an etching by Charles Frederick William Mielatz, created circa 1884. It exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing urban architecture with precision.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a row of dilapidated wooden houses, characterized by uneven roofs and chimneys, with a small figure standing near one of the houses. The scene conveys a sense of everyday urban life, with attention to the textures and details of the environment.

Technique & Style

Mielatz employed sharp lines and detailed rendering to capture the roughness of the scene, reflecting a style that emphasizes realism over idealization. The etching technique allowed for a high level of detail, bringing out the cracks and planks of the wooden structures.

Context

This work is part of the late 19th-century American etching tradition, which often featured detailed urban scenes. Mielatz's focus on architectural subjects aligns with this tradition, showcasing his expertise in printmaking and painting.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Frederick William Mielatz

Artist

Charles Frederick William Mielatz

Charles Frederick William Mielatz (né Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Mielatz; May 24, 1864 – July 2, 1919) was a Prussian-born American etcher, graphic artist, painter, lithographer, and educator.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.