Who painted Up the Hill?

Up the Hill was painted by James David Smillie in 1879.

Where can I see Up the Hill?

Up the Hill is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Up the Hill?

Up the Hill is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Up the Hill?

Museum-quality prints of Up the Hill are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Up the Hill

James David Smillie , 1879

Up the Hill is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James David Smillie. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

James David Smill’s 1879 print titled Up the Hill is an etching executed on laid paper. The work presents a modest rural scene, dominated by a gentle rise and a scattering of trees, rendered in stark black lines that emphasize form and space.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on a solitary hill that ascends within the picture plane, flanked by a few silhouetted trees. The sparse arrangement suggests a quiet, contemplative landscape, inviting viewers to consider the simplicity of the natural environment and the subtle variations of light and shadow across the terrain.

Technique & Style

Created through the traditional etching process, Smill incised his design onto a metal plate, allowing the acid to bite the lines that would later hold ink. This method yields fine, controlled lines and rich textures, which the artist exploits to convey depth and the tactile quality of foliage and ground.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in 1879, during a period when etching experienced renewed interest among British artists. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is documented as part of Smill’s broader output of landscape prints, reflecting his engagement with the medium at the close of the 19th century.

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Artist & collection

Artist

James David Smillie

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.