Gnarled Tree 1826 - 1873

"Gnarled Tree" is a watercolor painting by David Hall McKewan, dating from between 1826 and 1873, and currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. The artwork depicts a solitary tree, likely a beech, with a thick trunk, gnarled branches and a canopy of lush green leaves. The artist employs a detailed and realistic style to capture the intricate details of the tree's bark, its sprawling branches, and the subtle shades of green in its foliage, creating a visual representation of the tree's unique character and age. The painting's composition emphasizes the tree's imposing presence in the landscape, highlighting its enduring strength and resilience.