Harbor in Dordrecht

"Harbor in Dordrecht," a beautiful drawing from 1895, invites us to experience the bustling atmosphere of a Dutch harbor. Created by the artist Albert Lebourg, this piece is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection. nn Lebourg masterfully used black chalk on light brown paper to capture the harbor's energy. Notice how the sailboats, some at dock and others gracefully gliding through the water, fill the harbor. The artist's use of light and shadow is striking. See how the dark tones of the trees on the right side create a sense of depth, contrasting with the lighter trees on the left, suggesting distance. nn The buildings in the background, though barely discernible, add a layer of intrigue to the scene. Lebourg's use of short, hatched strokes for the boats and water creates a sense of movement, while the longer, flowing lines of the trees and sky evoke a feeling of calm. This interplay of techniques brings the harbor to life, capturing both its energy and tranquility.