Artwork
On the Beach
On the Beach is an ink print by Charles H. Woodbury. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created around 1920, Charles H.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1920, Charles H. Woodbury’s black‑ink etching titled *On the Beach* captures a bustling seaside tableau. The composition is rendered in stark monochrome, with a light ground that allows the figures and surf to emerge with high contrast. The work’s overall impression is one of lively activity, conveyed through a densely populated shoreline.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a crowded stretch of sand where individuals are engaged in a variety of postures—some seated, others standing, and a few reclined. This assortment of figures suggests a communal leisure scene, reflecting the social habits of early‑twentieth‑century beachgoers and the informal rhythms of public recreation.
Technique & Style
Woodbury employed traditional intaglio etching, applying only black pigment to a pale paper. The line work is deliberately irregular, with rough, scratchy strokes that convey movement and texture. The surf is suggested by swift, undulating lines at the lower edge, reinforcing a sense of kinetic energy across the otherwise static figures.
History & Provenance
The piece dates to the early 1920s, a period when Woodbury was actively exploring printmaking alongside his marine paintings. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has been documented in several catalogues of the artist’s oeuvre, indicating its recognition within his body of print productions.
Artist & collection
