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Men in a Rowboat

James Goodwyn Clonney

1845

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Marine

Dominant colour

Men in a Rowboat is a 1845 ink by James Goodwyn Clonney, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: James Goodwyn Clonney
When & what style?: 1845 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows two men in a small rowboat on calm water. One stands, holding an oar, while the other sits in the front. The boat looks simple, drawn with loose lines and light shading. The background is mostly empty water, with just a hint of land in the distance. The paper has a worn, yellowish tone, like old notes. The artist used quick, sketchy strokes—almost like a hurried doodle—to show movement. Next, check out cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.