Artwork

Wooded Landscape beside a River

Wooded Landscape beside a River, by Henri Harpignies, graphite, 1861
Wooded Landscape beside a River, by Henri Harpignies, graphite, 1861

Wooded Landscape beside a River is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Henri Harpignies. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower right in graphite: h harpignies 1861

About this work

Overview

Wooded Landscape beside a River, a graphite and white chalk drawing on wove paper, was executed by Henri-Joseph Harpignies in 1861. It is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a winter or late autumn landscape featuring bare, twisted trees, rocky terrain, and a river flowing through the scene, with distant hills. The monochromatic palette in shades of gray and white emphasizes the natural, unromanticized state of the landscape.

Technique & Style

Harpignies employed a rapid drawing technique, combining graphite for darker accents and white chalk for highlights. The rough, detailed lines suggest a swift execution, capturing the interplay of light and shadow in the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1861, the work is now held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

This drawing aligns with the Realist movement's emphasis on everyday, unidealized subjects and attention to natural detail, reflecting Harpignies' adherence to these artistic principles.

The Inner Forest (Intérieur du bois)
The Inner Forest (Intérieur du bois), Louis Hector François Allemand

Artist & collection

Portrait of Henri Harpignies

Artist

Henri Harpignies

Henri-Joseph Harpignies (French pronunciation:; June 28, 1819 – August 28, 1916) was a French landscape painter of the Barbizon school.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Wooded Landscape beside a River?

Wooded Landscape beside a River was painted by Henri Harpignies in 1861.

Where can I see Wooded Landscape beside a River?

Wooded Landscape beside a River is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Wooded Landscape beside a River?

Wooded Landscape beside a River is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Wooded Landscape beside a River?

Museum-quality prints of Wooded Landscape beside a River are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.