Artwork
The Storm
The Storm is a chalk drawing by Charles Fromuth. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in black ink: (artist's monogram in red) Charles H. Fromuth / Nov.30- 1908
About this work
Overview
Created in 1908, Charles Fromuth’s drawing titled The Storm presents a turbulent maritime scene rendered in charcoal with white accents on tan wove paper. The work is affixed to a board, giving it structural stability while preserving the delicate surface of the medium.
Subject & Meaning
The composition captures vessels caught in a violent sea, their forms distorted by towering waves. A muted suggestion of shoreline or distant structures recedes into the background, emphasizing the dominance of the storm‑tossed water and the precariousness of the boats.
Technique & Style
Fromuth employs expressive, dark charcoal strokes to convey motion and force, while strategic white highlights delineate cresting waves and glints of light. The texture of the tan paper contributes a tactile quality, and the mounting on board supports the fragile charcoal application.
Context
The drawing aligns with Fromuth’s broader interest in dynamic, atmospheric subjects, reflecting early‑20th‑century explorations of natural power through drawing. Its monochromatic palette and emphasis on line echo contemporary movements that favored expressive, gestural renderings over precise realism.
History & Provenance
The Storm remains documented as a 1908 work by Fromuth, though specific ownership history beyond its creation is not detailed in available records.
Artist & collection
