Artwork

Landscape [verso]

Landscape [verso], by William E. Winner, graphite, 1880
Landscape [verso], by William E. Winner, graphite, 1880

Landscape [verso] is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist William E. Winner. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Landscape [verso] is a graphite drawing on wove paper executed around 1880 by American artist William E. Winner. The work measures a modest size and presents a brief, observational view of a rural scene, rendered in a single-sided sketch format.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a solitary tree on the right edge, its branches suggested by light, gestural strokes. A narrow path winds toward a diminutive structure—perhaps a shed or cottage—nestled among low bushes, while a small figure walks along the way, emphasizing the quiet, everyday character of the landscape.

Technique & Style

Winner employed a loose graphite application, allowing the medium’s tonal range to convey form with minimal shading. The lines are swift and economical, giving the drawing a sketch‑like immediacy that captures the fleeting impression of the scene rather than a detailed rendering.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1880, the piece reflects Winner’s early practice in drawing from direct observation. Its provenance traces back to private collections before entering the museum’s holdings, where it is displayed as part of a broader survey of late‑19th‑century American landscape drawing.

Artist & collection

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