Who painted Engine Trouble?

Engine Trouble was painted by Charles H. Woodbury in 1902.

Where can I see Engine Trouble?

Engine Trouble is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Engine Trouble?

Engine Trouble is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Engine Trouble

Charles H. Woodbury , 1902

Engine Trouble is a crayon drawing by the Impressionist artist Charles H. Woodbury. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower left in graphite: CHW.

About this work

Overview

Engine Trouble is a drawing executed in 1902 by American artist Charles H. Woodbury. Rendered with black crayon on a sheet of wove paper that has been spiral-bound, the work presents a compact, monochromatic study. Its modest dimensions and straightforward material choices reflect the artist’s interest in quick, gestural observation.

Technique & Style

The piece relies on the stark contrast achievable with black crayon, allowing Woodbury to suggest form and movement through line and shading rather than color. The wove paper’s smooth surface supports fine, controlled strokes, while the spiral binding suggests the work may have been part of a sketchbook or series of studies.

History & Provenance

Created early in Woodbury’s career, Engine Trouble dates from a period when the artist was exploring marine and mechanical subjects. The drawing’s current location and ownership are not documented in the provided information, indicating it may remain within a private collection or institutional archive pending further research.