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Harbor Scene

John Greenwood

1760

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Marine

Dominant colour

Harbor Scene is a 1760 ink by John Greenwood, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: John Greenwood
When & what style?: 1760 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a quiet harbor with three big ships anchored in the water. The ships have tall masts and billowing sails, some with flags fluttering. Smaller boats float nearby, and a few people can be seen on the decks. In the distance, a city skyline with buildings and towers sits along the shore. The artist used soft gray ink and wash to keep everything muted and calm. The ships look detailed but the whole scene feels dreamy, like a faded memory. Next, check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build texture with lines.