Cowlitz River; Kelso, Washington (from Sketchbook) (1890, Met-Objekt 2688)
Original title: Cowlitz River; Kelso, Washington (from Sketchbook)
kurzbeschreibung
A stretch of riverbank on the Cowlitz River near Kelso, Washington, as recorded by Albert Bierstadt in 1890. The sheet comes from a sketchbook and was drawn in graphite on wove paper. Plant studies fill the foreground, with trees and the course of the river hinted at behind them.
Description
Leaves and low growth occupy the lower part of the sheet, set down in loose strokes that shift direction as they go. Above them trees can only be guessed at, while the river runs across from left to right. There is no color; the page stays black and white, the light even and without graded shading. Attention settles on the vegetation in front, drawn with a matter-of-fact, realistic touch.
Context
Bierstadt made the sketch in 1890, late in his career, during a journey through the western United States. The Cowlitz River in Washington was among the places he visited in search of subjects. This sheet belongs to a sketchbook in which the artist set down nature studies and impressions of landscape.
Impact
A quiet, watchful mood comes off the page, drawing the eye close to nature. Because the lines stay delicate and the plants set the tone, it reads almost like a botanical record and strengthens the documentary side. One feels as though looking over the draughtsman's shoulder while he gathers impressions.
Technique
Drawn in graphite on wove paper, a smooth, wood-free stock. The strokes run fluidly and irregularly, suggesting quick, spontaneous sketching. Shading and gradation are absent; the sheet remains a pure contour drawing.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)