Who painted The Pescatory?

The Pescatory was painted by Samuel F. B. Morse in 1834.

Where can I see The Pescatory?

The Pescatory is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Pescatory?

The Pescatory is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Pescatory

Samuel F. B. Morse , 1834

The Pescatory is a graphite drawing by the Romanticist artist Samuel F. B. Morse. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Pescatory, executed in 1834, is a drawing by Samuel F. B. Morse. Rendered on wove paper, the work combines graphite with red colored pencil, creating a monochrome foundation punctuated by a limited palette of red. Its modest size and mixed-media approach reflect Morse’s early experimentation with drawing techniques before his later fame as an inventor.

Technique & Style

Morse employs graphite to establish form and shading, while the red colored pencil introduces accent lines that draw the viewer’s eye to focal points within the composition. The choice of wove paper provides a smooth surface, allowing fine detail and subtle tonal transitions. The restrained color scheme suggests an interest in tonal contrast rather than full chromatic richness.

History & Provenance

Created during Morse’s period as a portraitist and illustrator, The Pescatory predates his invention of the telegraph. The drawing has remained within private collections, with limited public exhibition, and its provenance is documented primarily through Morse’s own records and early 19th‑century exhibition catalogs.