Artwork

Night-Time Boat Ride

Night-Time Boat Ride, by Carl August Lebschée, ink, 1828
Night-Time Boat Ride, by Carl August Lebschée, ink, 1828

Night-Time Boat Ride is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Carl August Lebschée. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:on verso at bottom left, in graphite: N. 3. 5

About this work

Overview

Night-Time Boat Ride is an 1828 etching on wove paper by Carl August Lebschée, depicting a serene nocturnal river scene.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a solitary figure rowing a small boat at night, set against a backdrop of riverbank buildings and trees. The contrast between the dark, swirling clouds and the moonlit water evokes a contemplative mood, emphasizing the emotional and atmospheric qualities characteristic of Romantic-era art.

Technique & Style

Lebschée employed expressive shading techniques to achieve depth and vitality in the night scene. This approach, typical of Romantic printmaking, prioritizes capturing the essence of nature and mood over precise detail. The etching process, involving incising a design onto a copper plate, allowed for the subtle textures and tonal variations present in the work.

History & Provenance

Created in 1828, the etching's provenance and exhibition history are not detailed here, focusing instead on its creation within the Romantic period's artistic tendencies.

Context

Night-Time Boat Ride reflects the Romantic emphasis on nature, solitude, and emotional resonance. The piece aligns with the period's fascination with the sublime and the expressive potential of nocturnal landscapes.

Five Travellers in the Moonlight
Five Travellers in the Moonlight, Carl August Lebschée

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Night-Time Boat Ride?

Night-Time Boat Ride was painted by Carl August Lebschée in 1828.

Where can I see Night-Time Boat Ride?

Night-Time Boat Ride is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Night-Time Boat Ride?

Night-Time Boat Ride is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Night-Time Boat Ride?

Museum-quality prints of Night-Time Boat Ride are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.