Cloud Study (recto, from sketchbook) 1869

"Cloud Study" is a pencil drawing on paper by American artist Jervis McEntee, dated 1869. This small work is part of a sketchbook, highlighting the artist's fascination with nature and his meticulous observation of the sky. The delicate lines of pencil capture the fleeting forms of clouds, creating a sense of atmospheric depth and ethereal beauty. McEntee's meticulous draftsmanship and his focus on the natural world make "Cloud Study" a compelling example of the Hudson River School's aesthetic. This artwork, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, provides insight into the artist's artistic practice and the evolving landscape of American art in the 19th century.