Artwork
An Old Dam Near Montrose
An Old Dam Near Montrose is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James David Smillie. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
An Old Dam Near Montrose is a print by James David Smillie, made in 1891 using the aquatint technique. It is executed in black on chine collé.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene river landscape featuring a small dam. The calm water reflects the surrounding trees and sky, with a solitary tree on the left and bushes on the right. The background is characterized by trees and hills fading into a soft, hazy atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Smillie employed a dark, grainy style to capture the interplay of light and shadow, lending the scene a misty, realistic quality. The aquatint technique allows for the creation of tonal variations, contributing to the print's atmospheric effect.
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Artist & collection
Artist
James David Smillie was an American artist, cofounder of the American Watercolor Society and New York Etching Club. His brother was painter George Henry Smillie.
