A Forest Clearing

A Forest Clearing

Karl Bodmer

1851

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a quiet forest scene with three tall, skinny trees standing close together. The ground is covered in grass and scattered rocks, and the trees cast long shadows. The walls of a stone building peek through the trees on the left side. The artist used shading to make the trees look rough and textured, almost like they’re carved from wood. The shadows and lines create a sense of depth, pulling you into the scene. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists create prints like this.

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