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River Rapids by Wooded Cliffs

Claude-Louis Châtelet

National Gallery of Art

The image is depicted from an elevated point of view, providing a broad perspective of the landscape. The horizon is positioned relatively high, showcasing distant rocky formations topped with trees. Just above the horizon, dense clouds stretch across the sky. The brushstrokes are smooth and consistent, giving a soft and cohesive texture to the elements within the scene. The overall color palette is dominated by a range of blues. Close to us, a wooden structure extends over a flowing body of water, where people can be seen. In the distance, rugged rock formations and tall, slender trees create a dramatic contrast against the expansive sky.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1780
Medium
gray wash with white gouache over traces of black chalk on blue laid paper
Dimensions
3880 × 2965 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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