Artwork

Stream through an Ancient Forest

Stream through an Ancient Forest, by Jonas Umbach, chalk, 1658
Stream through an Ancient Forest, by Jonas Umbach, chalk, 1658

Stream through an Ancient Forest is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Jonas Umbach. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Stream through an Ancient Forest is a drawing by Jonas Umbach, created in 1658, using black chalk and white gouache on brown laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene landscape with a winding stream flowing through an ancient forest, characterized by twisted tree trunks and branches.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved a striking contrast between darker tones and lighter hues using black chalk and white gouache, carefully rendering textures in the foreground while blending the background into a gentle haze.

Context

The work is an example of Baroque landscape drawing, showcasing the period's attention to detail and expressive use of medium.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jonas Umbach

Artist

Jonas Umbach

Jonas Umbach (1624–1693) was an artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.