Artwork preview

Waterfall with Rocks

Attributed to John Sell Cotman

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a natural setting with a waterfall cascading over rocks. The perspective is straightforward, giving a clear frontal view. The horizon line is high, sketched with mountain outlines blending with trees and rocks. The sketch technique is soft and freehand with fine and heavy pencil strokes depicting rock texture, water flow, and vegetation. The space is dominated by large, roughly sketched rocks forming the waterfall. The color palette is monochromatic with shades of grey and black on light beige paper. The waterfall flows into a stream toward the bottom, enhancing depth. In the distance, faint outlines suggest more trees and hills.

Artwork Details

Medium
graphite and black chalk, heightened with white chalk, on gray paper
Dimensions
4739 × 3382 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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