The Course
1789
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1789
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a busy scene at what looks like a horse race. People on horseback fill the foreground, some riding side by side while others walk beside their horses. A few people on foot stand around, and one boy holds a dog on a leash. The background has more riders and a hazy sky with soft clouds. The artist used a mix of light, sketchy lines and flat colors, which gives the scene a lively but slightly dreamy feel. This was a common way to make prints back then. Next, look up etching, drypoint, aquatint to see how artists created detailed prints like this one.
