Port de Trouville
1880
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1880
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a busy harbor with lots of sailboats anchored near the shore. In the background, there are buildings and trees lining the waterfront. The waves and boats are drawn with quick, sketchy lines, giving everything a lively, moving feel. The artist used a technique that lets ink sit on the plate in a way that creates texture—like the rough water here. This was a common way to make prints back then. Next, check out etching to see how artists like this made their marks.