Two Sketches of Trees
1776 to 1800
Medium
watercolor
Dimensions
overall (approximate): 17 x 12.4 cm (6 11/16 x 4 7/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Rosenwald Collection
Accession Number
1951.16.172
Art Historical Context
"Two Sketches of Trees," attributed to the British artist and naturalist James Bulwer and dated between 1776 and 1800, offers a charming glimpse into late eighteenth-century watercolor practice. Bulwer, known for his careful observations of the natural world, likely created these intimate studies during outdoor excursions. The small scale—roughly 17 by 12 centimeters—suggests a portable sketchbook page, perfect for capturing the subtle textures of bark, foliage, and light as they appeared in the landscape. Watercolor was especially favored in this period for its portability and immediacy, all...