Who painted Kauterskill Clove?

Kauterskill Clove was painted by Jervis McEntee in 1860.

Where can I see Kauterskill Clove?

Kauterskill Clove is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Kauterskill Clove?

Kauterskill Clove is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Kauterskill Clove?

Museum-quality prints of Kauterskill Clove are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Kauterskill Clove

Jervis McEntee , 1860

Kauterskill Clove is a gouache drawing by the Impressionist artist Jervis McEntee. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in graphite: Kauterskill Clove / July 27 - 60; upper right verso in graphite by unknown hand: APG 2174 jj

About this work

Overview

Kauterskill Clove, executed in 1860 by American artist Jervis McEntee, is a modestly sized drawing that combines graphite and gouache on wove paper. The work presents a stark winter scene rendered in a restrained palette, emphasizing line and texture over dramatic lighting. Its compact format and muted tones reflect the artist’s interest in quiet, contemplative landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on three slender, leaf‑stripped trees standing in close proximity. Their twisted trunks and angular branches suggest a wind‑bent posture, evoking a sense of resilience amid a barren environment. The bare ground, hinted at with a faint, uneven texture, reinforces the austere atmosphere, inviting viewers to contemplate the quiet endurance of nature in winter.

Technique & Style

McEntee employed fine graphite lines to delineate the trees’ contorted forms, while delicate washes of gouache provide a soft, watercolor‑like wash of muted tones. The wove paper, bearing a subtle yellowed hue, contributes to the work’s aged appearance. Light coloration and the absence of strong chiaroscuro keep the image understated, focusing attention on line work and surface texture.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑nineteenth century, Kauterskill Clove belongs to McEntee’s early period, when he frequently explored rural New York scenery. The drawing has remained in private collections before entering a museum holding of American landscape drawings, where it serves as an example of the artist’s transitional use of mixed media on paper.