Bords de Canal

Before you is Bords de Canal, a captivating drawing by Johan Jongkind, part of the esteemed collection of the National Gallery of Art. Measuring 46.5 centimeters wide and 31.2 centimeters high, this delicate work offers a glimpse into a tranquil canal scene. While the exact date of creation remains unknown, the artist's characteristic style is immediately apparent. nn The drawing masterfully captures the essence of a likely Dutch townscape. Employing a muted palette of browns and grays, predominantly through pencil or charcoal, Jongkind evokes a calm, perhaps overcast day. Loose, impressionistic lines define the scene, focusing on atmosphere rather than meticulous detail. Several boats are gently moored along the canal, their forms suggested simply through lines indicating masts and hulls. Buildings line the canal's edge, their rooflines and architectural features minimally defined, blending subtly with the background. nn A striking tree on the right side of the composition stands out, rendered with more detail than the buildings, its branches reaching towards a light, almost washed-out beige sky. The foreground hints at the canal bank, suggesting grass or vegetation. The overall effect is one of serene tranquility, achieved through the subtle use of light and shadow, creating a harmonious and unified composition. The familiar motif of a Dutch canal scene, with its boats and buildings, is presented with a quiet beauty and understated elegance, typical of Jongkind's artistic vision.