Large Rock at the River
1650
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1650
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a dark, moody landscape with a big, jagged rock in the center. Trees cling to the rock’s sides, and a small building sits at the base. Below, a river flows quietly, with a tiny boat drifting near the shore. The sky is mostly empty, just a few clouds near the top. The artist used shading to make the scene feel dramatic and quiet at the same time. This style was common in the 1600s. Want to learn more? Check out etching to see how artists create these detailed prints.