Who painted Tree [verso]?

Tree [verso] was painted by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr. in 1870.

Where can I see Tree [verso]?

Tree [verso] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Tree [verso]?

Tree [verso] is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Tree [verso]?

Museum-quality prints of Tree [verso] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Tree [verso]

Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr. , 1870

Tree [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Tree [verso] is a small drawing executed in watercolor and graphite on wove paper by American artist Enoch Wood Perry Jr. in 1870. The work presents a solitary tree rendered with a loose, sketch‑like approach, set against a pale, peach‑toned ground that emphasizes the foliage and branches.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a single tree, its branches rendered in brown and its canopy in muted greens and yellows. The minimal background and lack of detailed landscape suggest an interest in capturing the fleeting impression of a natural form rather than a narrative scene, inviting viewers to contemplate the tree’s simple presence.

Technique & Style

Perry employed rapid, uneven brushstrokes characteristic of plein‑air watercolor practice, allowing pigments to blend softly while preserving areas of light paper. Graphite outlines define the trunk and major branches, while thin washes of color build volume. The overall effect is a translucent, atmospheric rendering that relies on layered washes to suggest light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created in 1870, the drawing reflects the period’s growing American interest in direct observation of nature. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is catalogued as part of Perry’s oeuvre of landscape studies, illustrating his engagement with on‑site sketching techniques that were popular among 19th‑century American artists.