Artwork

A Rocky Meadow by a River

A Rocky Meadow by a River, by Jean Achille Benouville, chalk, 1840
A Rocky Meadow by a River, by Jean Achille Benouville, chalk, 1840

A Rocky Meadow by a River is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean Achille Benouville. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:by later hand, upper left in graphite: v H 80 / 305 x 465 / B100; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 021019
Markings
Marked:studio stamp (Lugt 228 a and b, with 128)

About this work

Overview

A Rocky Meadow by a River is a drawing created by Jean Achille Benouville around 1840, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing a serene landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a river meandering through a rocky meadow, with large rocks in the foreground and trees and bushes in the background, evoking a sense of natural tranquility.

Technique & Style

Benouville employed black and white chalk on blue laid paper to achieve a sense of depth and texture, utilizing chiaroscuro to create a dramatic effect through strong contrasts between light and dark.

Context

The drawing's emphasis on the natural world and dramatic lighting is characteristic of the Romanticism movement, reflecting the era's artistic preoccupations.

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.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted A Rocky Meadow by a River?

A Rocky Meadow by a River was painted by Jean Achille Benouville in 1840.

Where can I see A Rocky Meadow by a River?

A Rocky Meadow by a River is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Rocky Meadow by a River?

A Rocky Meadow by a River is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Rocky Meadow by a River?

Museum-quality prints of A Rocky Meadow by a River are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.