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Campfire

George Overbury Hart

1924

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Early Modern

Dominant colour

Campfire is a 1924 ink by George Overbury Hart, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: George Overbury Hart
When & what style?: 1924
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows three shadowy figures sitting around a dim campfire. The dark green background makes the light on their faces and the fire glow. One person leans forward, another sits back, and the third is barely visible on the right. The artist used sandpaper to scratch into the green surface, leaving white lines that stand out. It’s like the firelight is the only real light in the scene. Next, check out technique: chiaroscuro to see how light and dark create drama.