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Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

Old Trees at Naushon Island [plate 2]

1865

Robert Swain Gifford

Associated Names

Robert Swain Gifford

Artist, American, 1840 - 1905

The image depicts a detailed etching of a cluster of gnarled trees with twisted and barren branches. The horizon is not visible, focusing tightly on the trees. The etching shows fine lines defining textures of trees and grass, creating a stippled effect. The color palette is monochromatic, using black and white for contrast. Birds are seen in the sky, adding movement to the scene. The background is minimal with faint clouds or mist, suggesting a serene atmosphere.

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Artwork overview

Medium

etching
Credit Line

Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams
Dimensions

image: 27.7 × 19.1 cm (10 7/8 × 7 1/2 in.)
plate: 30.4 × 21.3 cm (11 15/16 × 8 3/8 in.)
sheet: 36.5 × 27.7 cm (14 3/8 × 10 7/8 in.)
Accession Number

2008.115.2047
Catalogue Raisonné

Wright 2002, no. 2

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

2002

Wright, David G. R. Swain Gifford: A Catalogue of Etchings, 1865-1891. Massachusetts: New Bedford Whaling Museum, 2002, pp. 24-25, no. 2.

Inscriptions

upper center in plate: Pl. 2.; lower center in plate: DRAWN & ETCHED BY R. SWAIN GIFFORD.; lower right in plate: RSG Naushon Sep. 28th 1864

Wikidata ID

Q76548993

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