Artwork
The Timber Raft on the Rhine
The Timber Raft on the Rhine is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Frank Short. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Timber Raft on the Rhine is a 1898 mezzotint print by Frank Short, a British artist known for his expertise in printmaking techniques and theory.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a nighttime scene on the Rhine River, with a timber raft in the foreground and a dark sky lit by a full moon, evoking a sense of atmosphere and depth.
Technique & Style
Short's use of mezzotint in black achieves a range of tonal variations, from dark, muted tones for the raft and river to lighter, more reflective shades for the sky, demonstrating his mastery of the medium.
History & Provenance
As a prominent figure in the printmaking community, Short served as President of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers & Engravers and was associated with the Art Workers’ Guild, contributing to the development of printmaking as an art form.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Francis Job Short PPRE (19 June 1857 – 22 April 1945) was a British printmaker and teacher of printmaking.
