Artwork Page for Chestnut and Pine

Details / Information for Chestnut and Pine

Chestnut and Pine

1869

David Johnson

(American, 1827–1908)
Culture
America
Medium
graphite
Support
Cream(2) wove paper (margins discolored to light yellow)
Measurements
Sheet: 30.5 x 46.9 cm (12 x 18 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Prasse Collection 1969.241
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Primarily self-taught, Johnson’s only formal training was a few lessons with Jasper F. Cropsey (also in this gallery). Johnson was, however, a devoted student of nature. As was typical of artists of the Hudson River school, he constructed his paintings in the studio with the aid of detailed drawings he had made directly from nature. Probably drawn in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, this sheet pairs two distinct species of tree--a pine and a chestnut--in a harmonious composition.
A horizontally oriented graphite drawing on cream paper depicts two isolated tree studies. On the left, a dense, leafy canopy defines a broad chestnut tree. To the right, a tall pine with spindly branches rises behind a cluster of jagged, angular rocks. Delicate, rhythmic pencil lines create shadow and texture throughout. Sparse cursive inscriptions at the bottom identify the 'Chestnut' and 'Pine' species alongside a stylized signature and the date.

Chestnut and Pine

1869

David Johnson

(American, 1827–1908)
America

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