Artwork preview

Sunset from a Rocky Coastline

Jean Achille Benouville

National Gallery of Art

The image displays a seascape with a viewpoint slightly elevated above rocky terrain. The horizon line is low in the composition, allowing the sky to dominate the scene. A dark silhouette is visible on the horizon against the lighter sky. The artist used a subtle brushstroke technique, blending shades smoothly. The color palette includes earthy tones of browns and greens in the rocks, contrasting with soft blues and grays in the sky. Warm orange and pink hues touch the clouds, suggesting either dawn or dusk. The ocean between the rocks reflects the sky, completing the serene composition.

Artwork Details

Date
1842
Medium
watercolor and gouache with pen and brown ink over graphite on blue-gray wove paper
Dimensions
5195 × 3600 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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