The Shore 1870 - 1900

Alfred Thompson Bricher made this drawing of a shore with pen and ink on paper. The simple materials belie the skill involved in rendering such a convincing scene. The qualities of the ink – its fluidity and permanence – lend themselves well to the depiction of the water, sky, and even the distant land. The artist’s hand is evident in the confident, unwavering lines that define the horizon and the delicate hatching that suggests the texture of the sand and foliage. Look closely, and you can see where Bricher has varied the pressure of his pen to create subtle gradations of tone. This economy of means speaks to a deep understanding of how materials can be used to evoke a sense of place. It is easy to overlook drawings such as this, but they offer unique insights into the working methods of artists, and the creative decisions that underpinned their practice. By appreciating the craft, we can move beyond conventional hierarchies of value and gain a more holistic understanding of the artist’s vision.