Trees Beside a Pond

1853–78
Not on view
The light, airy, and informal quality of this watercolor makes evident why Riesener’s plein-air work is often considered a precursor to Impressionism. Riesener and his first cousin, the Romantic painter Eugène Delacroix, often sketched together outdoors during excursions to the country. In this view of a grove of slim trees near the edge of a pond, the artist freely worked up his initial graphite drawing. Applying watercolor loosely and spontaneously, he completely ignored the lines of his underdrawing in certain areas.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Trees Beside a Pond
  • Artist: Louis-Antoine-Léon Riesener (French, Paris 1808–1878 Paris)
  • Date: 1853–78
  • Medium: Watercolor over graphite
  • Dimensions: 10 x 7 3/4 in. (25.5 x 19.6 cm)
  • Classification: Drawings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Bequest of Helen Hay Whitney, by exchange, 1995
  • Object Number: 1995.145
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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