Artwork
Blankenberge No.3
Blankenberge No.3 is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist William Stanley Haseltine. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Blankenberge No.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in black ink: WmS.H / Sep.30 / 1875; lower left in graphite by unknown hand: 26; lower right verso in pen and purple ink by unknown hand: Property of Helen H. Plowden. / Blankenbergh 1875; lower right verso in graphite by unknown hand: 26
About this work
Overview
Blankenberge No.3, executed in 1875 by William Stanley Haseltine, is a drawing rendered with pen, black ink and gouache on blue wove paper. The work captures a tranquil seaside scene, depicting two modest boats beached on a sandy shore under a pale sky.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a quiet coastal moment: small vessels with simple sails and flags lie on the beach, while a few figures stand nearby, gazing toward the sea. The calm water and gentle waves suggest a pause in activity, emphasizing stillness and contemplation of the maritime environment.
Technique & Style
Haseltine combines precise ink lines with the opaque, matte qualities of gouache, allowing for both defined outlines and soft, blended washes. The blue wove paper provides a subtle tonal ground, enhancing the muted palette and contributing to the sketch‑like, atmospheric effect of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created during Haseltine’s mature period, the drawing reflects his interest in coastal subjects common to his later work. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s studio, later entering private collections before being documented in museum inventories in the early twentieth century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
William Stanley Haseltine was born on June 11, 1835, in Philadelphia to John Haseltine, a successful businessman, and Elizabeth Shinn Haseltine, an amateur landscape painter.
