Artwork
The Path through the Rock
The Path through the Rock is an ink print by the Baroque artist Herman van Swanevelt. It dates from 1628 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Path through the Rock is an etching by Herman van Swanevelt, created in 1628. It is a black-and-white print that depicts a landscape scene.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a winding path through a rocky hillside with a lone tree at the top and tiny figures walking below. The scene is characterized by deep shadows and sharp edges, with rough, textured lines suggesting a rugged terrain.
Technique & Style
The etching technique used by van Swanevelt involves pushing ink into grooves on a metal plate and wiping it away, resulting in a print with raised lines that give the scene a scratchy, shadowy quality.
Artist & collection
