Artwork

The Cottage Door

The Cottage Door, by David, Sir Wilkie, ink, 1824
The Cottage Door, by David, Sir Wilkie, ink, 1824

The Cottage Door is an ink print by the Romanticist artist David, Sir Wilkie. It dates from 1824 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Cottage Door is an etching created by Sir David Wilkie in 1824, executed on chine collé.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman standing at a simple stone cottage door, with a basket in hand, surrounded by thick grass. The scene invites speculation about the purpose of her visit, focusing on a quiet moment in village life.

Technique & Style

The etching showcases Wilkie's attention to detail, particularly in the play of light on the door, which creates a sense of realism. It is notable for being one of the first prints to utilize the chine collé technique.

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.