This is a drawing of a customs scene at a port. The image shows trunks, bags, and goods being handled and inspected at a customs office, with a stream of individuals moving through the large space. The foreground includes people engaging with luggage, conversing, or queuing at the customs house. In the background, more figures are crowded together, suggesting a busy port atmosphere. The drawing is detailed, emphasizing travel and inspection processes with fine lines and a monochromatic palette.
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Customs Shed

James Wells Champney (American, 1843 - 1903)

1875-1876

Medium
pen and black ink with wash on wove paper
Classification
Drawing
Dimensions
sheet: 23.18 × 32.86 cm (9 1/8 × 12 15/16 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, 1963)
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Tweens profiles and older: its subjects are known and suit older children. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art