The Way to the River

1880

James David Smillie

Associated Names
James David Smillie

Artist, American, 1833 - 1909

The image is an etching depicting a wooded pathway with a woman walking along it. The point of view is positioned slightly above ground level, providing a view of the path that winds into the woodland. Close to us, the path is lined with brush and foliage, leading the viewer's eye towards the woman standing further along the path, surrounded by trees. She stands upright, wearing a long dress and a bonnet, with one hand to her chin. The horizon is not prominently visible, as the composition focuses more on the trees and natural elements that extend into the distance, becoming less defined against the sky. The style of the etching involves intricate, closely spaced lines that create texture and depth, especially in the depiction of the trees and underbrush. The color palette is monochromatic, relying solely on shades of black and white. In the background, the path continues to recede into the forest, framed by tall trees etched with fine detail to show their branches and leaves.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1992

  • Witthoft, Brucia. _The Fine-Arts Etchings of James David Smillie, 1833-1909: Catalogue Raisonné _. Wales, UK: Edwin Mellen Press,1992, p. 100, no. 18.

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: The Way to the / River. / J.D. Smillie / No. 16 June 1880; lower left in graphite: J.D.S imp.; lower right in graphite: James D. Smillie / 1880; upper right corner in graphite by unknown hand: 7; lower left edge in graphite by unknown hand: Pub. by Wünderlich; lower right edge in graphite by unknown hand: 11

Wikidata ID

Q76548333

You may be interested in

Loading Results