Who painted August: Fishing?

August: Fishing was painted by Claude Simpol in 1700.

Where can I see August: Fishing?

August: Fishing is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is August: Fishing?

August: Fishing is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

August: Fishing

Claude Simpol , 1700

August: Fishing is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Claude Simpol. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Claude Simpol’s drawing titled August: Fishing, executed around 1700, is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington.

Claude Simpol’s drawing titled August: Fishing, executed around 1700, is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington. Rendered in a brown and gray‑brown wash combined with pen and ink applied over faint black‑chalk outlines, the work measures a modest size typical of preparatory studies. Its composition captures a tranquil riverside scene populated by figures engaged in angling.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a quiet riverbank where several individuals are fishing, their postures relaxed and movements unhurried. Lush foliage and distant hills frame the activity, suggesting a leisurely summer pastime. The work conveys an idealized vision of pastoral leisure, reflecting early‑18th‑century interest in bucolic leisure and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Technique & Style

Simpol employs a muted palette of brown tones, layered with a gray‑brown wash that softens the overall atmosphere. Pen and black ink add definition, while cross‑hatching creates subtle tonal variation and a sense of depth. Traces of black chalk remain visible beneath the ink, hinting at an underlying sketch and contributing to the drawing’s atmospheric quality.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1700, the drawing entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though earlier ownership details are sparse. Its presence in a major public collection underscores its value as an example of Simpol’s draftsmanship and as a document of early French genre drawing.