Cornwall, 1871 (from Sketchbook)

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the American Wing of The Metropolitan Museum of Art,Cornwall, 1871 (from Sketchbook)* Daniel Huntington captures the rugged beauty of Cornwall's mountains and landscapes in a delicate graphite sketch. Created around 1870, this intimate drawing—measuring just 5½ x 8¾ inches—offers a glimpse into the artist's on-the-spot observations during his travels. As an American artist, Huntington's work reflects the era's fascination with natural grandeur, evoking the Romantic spirit of 19th-century landscape studies. Rendered in graphite on paper, the piece exemplifies the spontaneity of sketchbook art, where quick, expressive lines convey texture, depth, and atmospheric light without the polish of finished oils. Such sketches were vital tools for artists, serving as references for larger studio paintings and preserving fleeting moments of inspiration. This modest yet evocative study highlights Huntington's keen eye for topography, blending artistic precision with the raw energy of direct encounter. Generously gifted to the Met in 1936 by S.B. Luyster, *Cornwall, 1871* invites visitors to appreciate the humble beginnings of grand artistic visions, reminding us how a simple pencil could immortalize the majesty of the American countryside—or perhaps a cherished European vista.

About the Artist

Daniel Huntington · 1816–1906

Daniel Huntington (1816–1906) was born into a prominent New York family on October 4, 1816, descending from distinguished New England lineage. His early education began at age fourteen at Smith's Academy in New Haven, followed by Yale College, where he studied with Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor, artist, and president of the National Academy of Design, in 1835. After a disciplinary incident invo...