This is a pencil sketch of a riverside scene. The drawing portrays a calm landscape from a distant, elevated viewpoint. The horizon line is near the top, with small buildings lining it, suggesting a gentle slope. A river meanders from left to right, near us, with a boat on the bank. The sketch features thin, detailed lines for textures of earth and foliage. The monochrome color palette on brown paper creates a sepia tone, adding to the tranquility. Simple strokes highlight natural forms, enhancing the serene effect of the scene.
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Old Crossing, Otter Tail River

Homer Dodge Martin (American, 1836 - 1897)

1871

Medium
black chalk touched with white chalk on brown wove paper
Classification
Drawing
Dimensions
sheet: 32.5 × 50.2 cm (12 13/16 × 19 3/4 in.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CG-W
Credit line
John Davis Hatch Collection
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art