Artwork

On Board of the Stony Brook Packet

On Board of the Stony Brook Packet, by William Sidney Mount, graphite, 1848
On Board of the Stony Brook Packet, by William Sidney Mount, graphite, 1848

On Board of the Stony Brook Packet is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist William Sidney Mount. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

On Board of the Stony Brook Packet, a graphite drawing on wove paper, was created by American artist William Sidney Mount in 1848.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the drawing is a scene depicting life on the Stony Brook Packet, likely capturing everyday activities or interactions among passengers or crew, though specific interpretations of its meaning are not explicitly documented.

Technique & Style

Mount utilized graphite on wove paper for this work, characteristic of his attention to detail and realism. The technique allowed for nuanced shading and texture, suggesting a focus on observational drawing.

History & Provenance

Created in 1848, the drawing's early history and ownership trail are not detailed in available information. It is attributed to Mount's body of work from this period.

Context

Produced during the mid-19th century, the drawing reflects Mount's interest in depicting American life. It may relate to the era's transportation advancements or the artist's local Long Island connections, given the 'Stony Brook' reference.

Legacy

As part of Mount's oeuvre, On Board of the Stony Brook Packet contributes to the artist's reputation for detailed, realistic drawings of everyday American scenes, though its individual impact on the broader art historical canon is not prominently noted.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Sidney Mount

Artist

William Sidney Mount

William Sidney Mount (November 26, 1807 – November 19, 1868) was a 19th-century American genre painter.

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