Artwork

Hillside with Houses and Figures

Hillside with Houses and Figures, by Worthington Whittredge, graphite, 1856
Hillside with Houses and Figures, by Worthington Whittredge, graphite, 1856

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

Portrait of Worthington Whittredge

Artist

Worthington Whittredge

Thomas Worthington Whittredge (May 22, 1820 – February 25, 1910) was an American artist of the Hudson River School.

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