Artwork preview

Workmen Gathering Ice at the Water's Edge

Hippolyte Lalaisse

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a group of men moving a horse-drawn cart filled with logs in a wintry landscape. The ground appears rough and icy or snowy. In the background, tall, leafless trees stand out against the low horizon under an overcast sky. The scene is depicted in a monochromatic palette of various shades of gray, creating a cold, somber atmosphere. The brushstrokes are loose and swift, with a focus on texture and energy. The cart is centrally positioned, with the horse and men adding movement to the composition.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1850
Medium
black chalk heightened with white on blue paper
Dimensions
4000 × 3056 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original