Narcissus [recto]

1828

Thomas Cole

Associated Names
Thomas Cole

Artist, American, 1801 - 1848

The image shows a landscape viewed from a slightly elevated point. The horizon is at the top of the drawing, with mountains in the distance. The ink lines depict detailed trees and foliage with light shading for depth. The color scheme is monochrome, using parchment paper color and black ink. In the foreground, various trees lead to the distant mountains.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Paul Mellon Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 16.51 × 27.94 cm (6 1/2 × 11 in.)
    overall: 19 x 29.1 cm (7 1/2 x 11 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2002.23.1.a

Associated Artworks

The image depicts a landscape with undulating hills receding into the distance from an elevated perspective. The horizon is shown in the middle of the drawing, with softly drawn lines indicating distant hills and landforms. The delicate style uses light pencil strokes to create a sketch-like appearance. The drawing features intricate contours and textures throughout. The color scheme includes beige paper with gray pencil for contrast. A hill or ridge is suggested on the right, leading the eye into the scene. Lines and scribbles in the distance represent the continuation of the landscape. The drawing seems to be an unfinished sketch, emphasizing the scene's foundational layout.

Mountain Landscape [verso]

Thomas Cole

1828

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

E. Maurice Bloch, Los Angeles, (possibly acquired from Cole descendants; (sold, "American and European Works on Paper from the Estate of E. Maurice Bloch, Part I," Christie's, New York, 19 June 1990, no. 9); (Alexander Galleries, New York); private collection, Texas; (consignment to Mary Lublin Fine Arts, New York, 2001); purchased 2002 by NGA.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower right in pen and black ink: T Cole / 1828; lower center in pen and black ink: Narcissus

Wikidata ID

Q64633189

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