New York—Street Scene
1864
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1864
graphite
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The painting depicts a chaotic scene of a street in New York, with people and horses in disarray. In the foreground, a horse lies on the ground, while others are rearing up or running wildly. People are scattered about, some trying to regain control of the horses, while others are fleeing the scene. The artist's use of wash on blue-gray laid paper creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, with the darker tones of the wash drawing attention to the central figures and horses. The overall effect is one of energy and movement, capturing the turmoil of the scene. For more information on the artist's technique, explore the use of chiaroscuro.