Artwork

An Old Dam Near Montrose

An Old Dam Near Montrose, by James David Smillie, ink, 1891
An Old Dam Near Montrose, by James David Smillie, ink, 1891

An Old Dam Near Montrose is an ink print by the Impressionist artist James David Smillie. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left in plate: J.D. Smillie; lower right in graphite: James D. Smillie / Feb. '92; center verso in graphite by unknown hand: Pratt Institute / after burnishing

About this work

Overview

An Old Dam Near Montrose is a print by James David Smillie, made in 1891 using the aquatint technique. It is executed in black on chine collé.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene river landscape featuring a small dam. The calm water reflects the surrounding trees and sky, with a solitary tree on the left and bushes on the right. The background is characterized by trees and hills fading into a soft, hazy atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Smillie employed a dark, grainy style to capture the interplay of light and shadow, lending the scene a misty, realistic quality. The aquatint technique allows for the creation of tonal variations, contributing to the print's atmospheric effect.

An Old Dam Near Montrose
An Old Dam Near Montrose, James David Smillie

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 An Old Dam Near Montrose?

An Old Dam Near Montrose was painted by James David Smillie in 1891.

Where can I see An Old Dam Near Montrose?

An Old Dam Near Montrose is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is An Old Dam Near Montrose?

An Old Dam Near Montrose is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of An Old Dam Near Montrose?

Museum-quality prints of An Old Dam Near Montrose are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.