Karl Bodmer

Bodmer, Johann Carl

Swiss, 1809 - 1893

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The image is a monochromatic illustration viewed from a slightly elevated angle, focusing on a dense thicket of foliage forming a natural shelter. There is no clear horizon visible, as the scene centers around the protective cluster of leaves. The brushstrokes are detailed, with fine lines and cross-hatching used to convey texture and depth within the leaves and branches. A bird is perched in the middle of the composition, partially obscured by dark shadows from the foliage. The color palette is limited to shades of gray and black, creating a dramatic visual impact. Lighter shades in the distance suggest the outer canopy edges, while darker forms closer to us create a sense of seclusion.
Karl Bodmer, Un Abri (A Shelter), 1858, lithograph in black on chine collé, René Huyghe Collection, 1994.42.1

Un Abri (A Shelter)

Karl Bodmer · 1858 · lithograph in black on chine collé ·  Accession ID  1994.42.1

This image shows a black and white etching of two young bears climbing and resting on a tall tree trunk. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, as if from a nearby vantage point on the ground. The horizon line is implied in the upper middle part of the image where the tree canopy thins. The etching is detailed with precise lines creating the texture of the bears' fur and the tree's surface, as well as the surrounding foliage. The vegetation close to us is highly detailed, with intricate lines and shading, while in the distance, smaller trees and hints of clouds suggest a transition into the background where details are softer. The grayscale palette uses contrast to distinguish between the bears and the tree against the foliage and sky.
Karl Bodmer, Les Ours (The Bears), 1858/1874, etching in black on chine collé, René Huyghe Collection, 1994.42.2

Les Ours (The Bears)

Karl Bodmer · 1858/1874 · etching in black on chine collé ·  Accession ID  1994.42.2

The image shows the full body of a person standing upright. They are positioned facing forward with their head slightly turned to the left. The person has long, straight hair and distinct facial features that include a strong jawline and a prominent nose. They are dressed in traditional attire, which includes a large, decorated cloak or shawl adorned with intricate patterns, and leggings that reach the center of their thighs. The individual is holding a long staff or spear with a tuft of hair at its end. Around their neck hangs a series of large, circular necklaces. Attached to their hair is a feather. The background consists of an outdoor landscape with hills or mountains in the distance and some plants and grass near the person's feet. In the far distance, two smaller figures are visible standing among some trees.
Karl Bodmer, Ein Monitari Indianer, 1839, lithograph, Gift of Ruth B. Benedict, 1981.76.1

Ein Monitari Indianer

Karl Bodmer · 1839 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  1981.76.1

The image features an elevated viewpoint, showing a landscape with near and distant details. The horizon is high, with rolling hills, a castle in the distance, and misty brushstrokes creating an atmospheric quality. The color palette is monochromatic with various shades of gray. Closest to us is dense vegetation, a river winding into the distance, and towering cliffs and ruins. The sky is overcast with gentle cloud formations.
Karl Bodmer, Ruined Towers Overlooking the Rhine, c. 1835, pen and black ink and brush and gray ink with gray wash and graphite on wove paper, The Armand Hammer Collection, 1988.10.1

Ruined Towers Overlooking the Rhine

Karl Bodmer · c. 1835 · pen and black ink and brush and gray ink with gray wash and graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  1988.10.1

The image depicts a river scene from an elevated point of view. The horizon is visible in the background, where the river meets a line of trees and hills. A steamship named "THE STEAMER YELLOW-STONE" is sailing across the water towards the right side of the image, emitting dark smoke from its chimneys against the light sky. Near the shore, figures are pulling something from the water onto the shore, with one person standing next to a small boat. The painting features delicate brushstrokes capturing the water's motion and the details of the ship and figures. The color palette includes muted earth tones, deep greens for foliage, and blues and grays for the sky and river, creating a tranquil yet dynamic visual impact.
Karl Bodmer, Lucas Weber, Ackermann & Co., The Steamer Yellow-stone, c. 1839, etching and aquatint in black with hand-coloring on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Mary E. Maxwell Fund, 1960), 2015.19.975

The Steamer Yellow-stone

Karl Bodmer, Lucas Weber, Ackermann & Co. · c. 1839 · etching and aquatint in black with hand-coloring on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.975

The image shows a side view of a deer and a fawn standing in a wooded area. The larger deer appears to be lifting its head. The ground is textured with leaves and foliage, and there are large trees in the background with branches extending across the scene. The horizon is obscured by the dense forest. The artwork features highly detailed brushstroke-like patterns simulating fur and foliage, and it is rendered in a monochromatic color palette of various shades of grey to convey light and shadow effectively.
Karl Bodmer, Biche et Faon, lithograph, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1975.34.21

Biche et Faon

Karl Bodmer · · lithograph ·  Accession ID  1975.34.21

This image shows a deer standing in a natural setting with foliage around. The deer is viewed from the side, looking back towards the viewer. The scene features a woodland habitat with no distinct horizon, extending into the distance. The artwork uses intricate etching techniques to create a textured appearance for the deer's coat and surrounding vegetation. The monochromatic color palette uses shades of black and gray to provide a detailed and realistic representation without color. The fine line work captures the dense foliage around the deer, adding depth and richness to the environment.
Karl Bodmer, Une biche, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1975.34.50

Une biche

Karl Bodmer · · etching ·  Accession ID  1975.34.50

The image shows a bird in flight over a rocky landscape. The terrain is detailed with fine lines, including cross-hatching for texture. The sky is filled with clouds in varying shades of black, gray, and white, creating contrast with the landscape and the bird.
Karl Bodmer, Aigle au vol, etching, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1975.34.56

Aigle au vol

Karl Bodmer · · etching ·  Accession ID  1975.34.56

The image shows a natural landscape with wild ducks near a water's edge. Trees, clouds, and foliage are depicted with delicate brushstrokes, creating a hazy, detailed texture. The color palette is monochromatic, focusing on shades of brown and gray. The scene extends into the distance with trees fading into the mist.
Karl Bodmer, Canards Sauvages, chiaroscuro lithograph, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 1975.34.19

Canards Sauvages

Karl Bodmer · · chiaroscuro lithograph ·  Accession ID  1975.34.19

The image shows a forest scene with tall trees and dense foliage forming a canopy. The etching style depicts detailed textures of tree bark and leaves in varying shades of gray. The ground is depicted with fine strokes, suggesting lush undergrowth, while trees in the distance fade into a densely packed composition, creating an expansive forest setting.
Karl Bodmer, A Forest Clearing, etching and drypoint on wove paper, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund, 2014.95.2

A Forest Clearing

Karl Bodmer · · etching and drypoint on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2014.95.2