Rocks was painted by James Goodwyn Clonney in 1839.

Where can I see Rocks?

Rocks is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Rocks?

Rocks is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Rocks?

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

Artwork

Rocks

James Goodwyn Clonney , 1839

Rocks is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist James Goodwyn Clonney. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in graphite: 1839

About this work

Overview

Rocks is a 1839 drawing by James Goodwyn Clonney, an English-born American artist, executed in graphite on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a cluster of rough rocks with sparse vegetation, possibly reflecting Clonney's interest in natural landscapes and rural subjects, which often carried subtle social undertones in his work.

Technique & Style

Characterized by quick, shaky graphite lines, the sketch conveys a sense of spontaneity, with the artist prioritizing rapid notation over detailed rendering, resulting in an unfinished appearance.

Context

Clonney's work was influenced by his focus on genre painting and lithography, and his exploration of themes such as interracial equality, situating Rocks within a broader artistic context that valued naturalism and social commentary.