The Way to the River
1880
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1880
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Way to the River is a 1880 ink by James David Smillie, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a woman walking along a narrow path in a wooded area. She’s dressed in a long dress with a high collar and a wreath of leaves on her head. Tall trees with bare branches line the path, and the ground is covered in shadows and patches of grass. The woman looks like she’s moving toward a small stream or river in the distance. The artist used fine lines to create deep shadows and texture, making the scene feel quiet and still. If you like this style, check out the technique: etching.
