The Timber Raft on the Rhine
1898
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1898
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a timber raft on the Rhine River. The scene is set at night, with the raft in the foreground and the river stretching out behind it. The sky above is dark, with clouds lit up by a full moon. The artist has used a range of grays to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the painting. The raft and the river are depicted in dark, muted tones, while the sky is lighter and more reflective. The painting is a great example of the Impressionist movement, which emphasized capturing the fleeting effects of light and color. To learn more about this style, check out the Impressionism movement.