Artwork
Hillside with Houses and Figures

Hillside with Houses and Figures is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Worthington Whittredge. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Hillside with Houses and Figures, a graphite drawing on wove paper by Worthington Whittredge, dates to 1856. The work depicts a serene rural landscape with scattered houses and figures on a hillside.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing focuses on the quiet, everyday life of a rural community. Small houses, partially obscured by foliage, and groups of simply dressed individuals are set amidst a dry, grassy, and rocky hillside, emphasizing the mundane aspects of country living.
Technique & Style
Whittredge employed light, expressive pencil strokes to convey shadows, texture, and a sense of soft naturalism, characteristic of Realist tendencies in capturing ordinary scenes without embellishment.
History & Provenance
Created in 1856, specific details regarding the drawing's provenance and historical context beyond its creation date are not provided.
Context
The piece reflects the Realist movement's emphasis on depicting everyday life, though detailed contextual information linking it directly to broader artistic or historical events of 1856 is not available.
Legacy
While not individually renowned, the drawing contributes to the broader legacy of Realist art, influencing or reflecting the movement's focus on ordinary life and naturalistic representation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Worthington Whittredge (May 22, 1820 – February 25, 1910) was an American artist of the Hudson River School.

















