Two Maples

Art Historical Context

**Two Maples** (1920) by Bolton Brown is a striking lithograph that captures the quiet majesty of nature, likely featuring a pair of maple trees in autumnal glory. Printed on a sheet measuring 305 x 406 mm (with the image at 254 x 356 mm), this work exemplifies Brown's mastery of lithography—a planographic printing technique where drawings on stone or metal plates are transferred using oil-based inks and water repellents. As a leading American printmaker of the early 20th, Brown was renowned for his technical precision, often collaborating with artists like Rockwell Kent while producing his own evocative landscapes. Created in the post-World War I era, when American artists embraced regionalism and the beauty of the everyday environment, *Two Maples* reflects the era's renewed appreciation for natural subjects amid rapid industrialization. Brown's lithographs stand out for their rich tonal range and subtle textures, achieved through meticulous inking and printing processes that mimic the fluidity of drawing. This piece, classified as a print in the National Gallery of Art's CG-W Department, entered the collection as a gift from Reba and Dave Williams, prominent collectors of American prints. Visitors will appreciate how *Two Maples* invites contemplation of seasonal change and artistic innovation, bridging fine art and reproductive techniques in a compact, accessible format. (198 words)