Waterfall
1650
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1650
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Waterfall is a 1650 ink by Allart van Everdingen, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a winding river cutting through rocky hills, with a small wooden bridge and a tower in the distance. Trees line the banks, and the water looks rough where it tumbles over rocks. The sky is faint but visible above the treetops, and the whole scene is drawn in black lines with no color. The artist used a mix of etching and engraving to create the texture—notice how the water and trees have fine crosshatching for depth. This was a common way to add detail in prints back then. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints with acid and needles.
