Who painted Near the Coast [large plate]?

Near the Coast [large plate] was painted by Robert Swain Gifford in 1886.

Where can I see Near the Coast [large plate]?

Near the Coast [large plate] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Near the Coast [large plate]?

Near the Coast [large plate] is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Near the Coast [large plate]?

Museum-quality prints of Near the Coast [large plate] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Near the Coast [large plate]

Robert Swain Gifford , 1886

Near the Coast [large plate] is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Robert Swain Gifford. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in plate: R. Swain Gifford; lower right in graphite: R. Swain Gifford.; upper left in graphite by unknown hand: 2

About this work

Overview

Near the Coast (large plate) is an 1886 etching executed by American landscape artist Robert Swain Gifford. The work presents a tranquil coastal scene, rendered in monochrome tones typical of the medium, and measures as a sizable plate within Gifford’s print oeuvre.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a solitary tree whose branches reach upward, set against a foreground of grass and low shrubs. Beyond the vegetation, a body of water extends toward the horizon, while a cloud‑filled sky and distant birds suggest a quiet, natural environment.

Technique & Style

Gifford employed the etching process to achieve a range of tonal values, from deep shadows in the tree’s foliage to lighter washes in the sky. The lines are rendered with a fluid, expressive hand, allowing texture and depth to emerge through varied hatchings and washes.

History & Provenance

Created in the late nineteenth century, the print reflects Gifford’s interest in coastal subjects during his mature period. It entered the museum’s collection through a donation in the early twentieth century, where it has been displayed as part of the institution’s American landscape holdings.