Who painted The Ferryman?

The Ferryman was painted by John T. Bentley in 1887.

Where can I see The Ferryman?

The Ferryman is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Ferryman?

The Ferryman is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Ferryman?

Museum-quality prints of The Ferryman are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Ferryman

John T. Bentley , 1887

The Ferryman is an ink print by the Impressionist artist John T. Bentley. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. John T.

Inscription: Inscribed:Top left in script: "Copyright 1887 by C. Klackner 17 E 17th. St, NY"; in graphite lower left: "B231 JT BENTLEY" (by unknown hand); in graphite upper left: "2"; on verso, in graphite lower right: "8B"; signed: In plate lower left: "JTB/87." In pencil lower right: "JT Bentley"

About this work

Overview

John T. Bentley’s 1887 work The Ferryman is an etching that depicts a solitary figure maneuvering a small boat across tranquil water. The composition is anchored by a low horizon where trees and a distant church steeple dissolve into the sky, while a bird glides near the lower left edge of the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a lone ferryman, rendered in dark attire, using a long pole to propel the vessel. The quiet atmosphere and minimal activity suggest themes of solitude, passage, and the contemplative rhythm of everyday labor against a serene natural backdrop.

Technique & Style

Bentley employed the etching process, incising fine lines into a metal plate with acid to capture delicate light on water ripples and the figure’s clothing. The resulting print showcases precise linear work and subtle tonal variations characteristic of late‑19th‑century printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1887, The Ferryman is among Bentley’s known prints from the period. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains documented as part of the artist’s output during a time when etching experienced renewed interest among American illustrators.