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Wild Plants near Birstein

Johann Christian Heerdt

1835

graphite

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Wild Plants near Birstein is a 1835 graphite by Johann Christian Heerdt, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Johann Christian Heerdt
When & what style?: 1835 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows wild plants growing in a rocky, uneven ground. The leaves and stems are drawn carefully, with some shading to show depth. A few flowers peek through the greenery, and the whole scene looks a bit tangled but natural. The artist used soft graphite and a pale brown wash to keep it simple and earthy. The paper has a light texture that makes the lines look gentle, almost like a quick study. If you like this style, check out Romanticism next.