Study of foliage
Medium
nature studies
Classification
nature studies
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of the National Academy of Design from the Mrs. William T. Brewster Bequest
Accession Number
1953-179-23
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
William Trost Richards created this delicate study of foliage between 1865 and 1870, during a period when American artists were turning to precise observation of the natural world. As a leading figure associated with both the Hudson River School and the American Pre-Raphaelite movement, Richards was known for his meticulous attention to botanical detail, influenced by the writings of John Ruskin. This work exemplifies his practice of creating careful nature studies that served as the foundation for larger landscape compositions. Classified simply as a nature study, the piece reflects the 19th...