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Birch Boughs, Catskill Mountains

John William Casilear

1856

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Landscape Broad-leaved Tree

Dominant colour

Birch Boughs, Catskill Mountains is a 1856 graphite by John William Casilear, a Impressionism work, depicting Broad-leaved Tree, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John William Casilear
When & what style?: 1856 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a few birch branches hanging over rocky ground. The pencil lines are light but clear. You can see the rough bark and the way the branches bend. John William Casilear made this in 1856. He used graphite on thick paper. It looks simple but feels real. He often drew outdoors, which wasn’t common back then. It reminds me of Winslow Homer’s sketches. Look for them at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.