Trees

Art Historical Context

Created in 1886 by American artist David Johnson, *Trees* exemplifies the quiet beauty of late nineteenth-century landscape. Rendered in black ink washes and graphite on off-white wove paper, the work measures just over 18 by 12 inches, allowing for intimate study of natural forms. Johnson’s careful layering of washes builds subtle gradations of tone, while delicate graphite lines define bark textures and foliage, inviting viewers to appreciate the quiet complexity of a wooded scene. This drawing belongs to the Metropolitan Museum’s American Wing, reflecting the enduring fascination with the American landscape during the Gilded Age. Ink wash combined with graphite offered artists a versatile medium for capturing light and atmosphere without the permanence of oil paint, making it ideal for both studio studies and on-site sketches. Johnson’s focus on trees alone underscores a broader cultural reverence for nature as a source of renewal and national identity in the post-Civil War era. Acquired through the Charles and Anita Blatt Gift in 1968, the sheet continues to offer visitors a serene encounter with American draftsmanship. Its restrained palette and meticulous technique highlight how even a simple subject can convey depth, balance, and quiet grandeur.

About the Artist

David Johnson · 1827–1908

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