Artwork
Landing Place near Tintern Abbey
Landing Place near Tintern Abbey is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist James Ward. It dates from 1802 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1802, James Ward’s work titled Landing Place near Tintern Abbey is a watercolor and graphite drawing on paper.
Created around 1802, James Ward’s work titled Landing Place near Tintern Abbey is a watercolor and graphite drawing on paper. The composition captures a tranquil riverside setting, featuring a modest boat with two figures, a white house with red shutters perched on a rocky rise, and a weathered stone wall framed by trees. The calm water reflects the scene, while additional small vessels lie on the shore.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a peaceful moment of travel and repose along the River Wye near the historic Tintern Abbey. The solitary boat suggests a brief pause in a journey, while the modest dwelling and its surrounding landscape evoke the quiet domestic life of the area. The juxtaposition of natural serenity with human habitation reflects an appreciation for the harmonious coexistence of people and the riverine environment.
Technique & Style
Ward employs a delicate wash of watercolor, building layers through glazing to achieve soft transitions of light and atmosphere. Graphite outlines define forms, while subtle blending creates a gentle luminosity, especially where light falls from the left, casting a warm glow across the water and structures. The restrained palette and smooth tonal gradations emphasize calmness, characteristic of early‑19th‑century British landscape drawing.
History & Provenance
The drawing dates to the early nineteenth century, a period when Ward was establishing his reputation as a landscape artist. Though specific ownership records are limited, the work has been catalogued among his watercolors depicting the Wye Valley, a region popular with travelers and artists of the Romantic era. Its continued presence in collections underscores its role in documenting the visual culture of the period.
Artist & collection
