Artwork
Humphrey's Ledge
Humphrey's Ledge is a watercolor drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles de Wolf Brownell. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper left in pen and brown ink over red colored pencil: N.; lower right in pen and brown ink: Humphries' Ledge & Moat Mt. Aug. 27-60-P.M.; by unknown hand along left edge verso in graphite: APG19252D.101
About this work
Overview
Charles de Wolf Brownell’s 1860 watercolor titled Humphrey’s Ledge presents a tranquil rural scene. Rendered on wove paper, the work balances a distant mountain range with a nearer field, employing a restrained palette of muted greens, grays, and soft earth tones.
Subject & Meaning
The composition juxtaposes a low, light‑green meadow dotted with scattered trees and bushes against a backdrop of hills rendered in cool gray‑green tones. The calm atmosphere suggests a quiet moment in nature, inviting contemplation of landscape’s subtle variations.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor, Brownell utilizes transparent washes and delicate brushwork to convey atmospheric depth. Layered washes create a sense of distance in the mountains, while more concentrated pigment defines the foreground foliage, demonstrating the medium’s capacity for both softness and detail.
History & Provenance
Created in 1860, the piece is an early example of Brownell’s landscape practice. While specific ownership records are limited, the work remains attributed to the artist and is catalogued among his 19th‑century watercolors.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Charles de Wolf Brownell (1822–1909) was an artist, born in Providence.
