Gray and black wash, with traces of black and white chalk on medium, slightly textured, cream laid paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 10 3/4 x 14 inches (27.3 x 35.6 cm)
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection
Copyright Status:
Public Domain
Accession Number:
B1977.14.5438
Gallery Label:
Although Thomas Gainsborough's success in his own time rested on his portraits, his real passion was for landscape. He would frequently relax by drawing landscapes in the evening after a long day painting portraits. This drawing was perhaps produced on one such evening, the artist exploiting the rapidity with which he could set down ideas in watercolor on paper. It is a prime example of the freedom and economy with which Gainsborough could conjure up an image. With only a few loose monochrome washes and a hint of chalk, he has suggested a group of travelers on foot and horseback making their way along a country road with a covered wagon. Gallery label for Great British Watercolors from the Paul Mellon Collection at the Yale Center for British Art (Yale Center for British Art, 2008-06-09 - 2008-08-17)