Artwork

American Scene

American Scene, by Thomas Leeson Rowbotham, 1834
American Scene, by Thomas Leeson Rowbotham, 1834

American Scene is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Thomas Leeson Rowbotham. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:in pen and brown ink, lower center verso: American Scene / 1.0.0. Rowbotham

About this work

Overview

American Scene is a drawing by Thomas Leeson Rowbotham, created around 1834. It is a landscape scene held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a dramatic, shadowy landscape with three figures near a cliff. Storm clouds dominate the sky, while a faint light illuminates distant mountains, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Rowbotham employed a combination of gray wash and scratching out on wove paper to achieve a chiaroscuro effect, where strong contrasts between light and dark create a sense of mystery and grandeur.

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 American Scene?

American Scene was painted by Thomas Leeson Rowbotham in 1834.

Where can I see American Scene?

American Scene is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is American Scene?

American Scene is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of American Scene?

Museum-quality prints of American Scene are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.