Artwork
Grenoble
Grenoble is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist Johan Jongkind. It dates from 1883 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in brown ink over black chalk: 22 Sept 83; lower right in black chalk: Jongkind
About this work
Overview
Created in 1883, "Grenoble" is a drawing by Johan Barthold Jongkind executed in watercolor and gouache applied over a black chalk ground. The work captures a tranquil harbor scene at dusk, rendered with a delicate balance of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a quiet harbor where several fishing vessels rest on calm water. Illuminated houses line the shore, their windows casting a soft glow that hints at the transition from day to night, evoking a moment of stillness before darkness settles.
Technique & Style
Jongkind employed watercolor enhanced with gouache to lift the darker areas, allowing brighter highlights to emerge from the black chalk base. The visible brushstrokes on the wet paper reveal his handling of the medium, emphasizing texture and the fleeting quality of the scene.
History & Provenance
During the 1880s Jongkind repeatedly returned to this harbor motif, producing several variations. "Grenoble" reflects his sustained interest in the locale and his exploration of atmospheric effects through the combined use of watercolor, gouache, and chalk.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johan Barthold Jongkind (Dutch pronunciation:; 3 June 1819 – 9 February 1891) was a Dutch painter and printmaker. He painted marine landscapes in a free manner and is regarded as a forerunner of impressionism.
