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An Alpine Valley with Trees and Boulders

Gustave Doré

1876

chalk

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Landscape

Dominant colour

An Alpine Valley with Trees and Boulders is a 1876 chalk by Gustave Doré, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Gustave Doré
When & what style?: 1876 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a rocky mountain valley with jagged peaks in the distance. The foreground is packed with rough, gray boulders and patches of green plants clinging to the slopes. A few thin trees stand out against the rocky ground, their trunks dark against the muted colors. The artist used loose brushstrokes and layered colors to create depth, especially in the shadows and distant mountains. The mix of watercolor, ink, and chalk gives it a sketchy, almost rough texture. Look up watercolor to see how artists use this medium to create light and texture in landscapes.