Gowanus Heights, Brooklyn c. 1836 - 1837

William Henry Bartlett created this sepia drawing, "Gowanus Heights, Brooklyn," using delicate washes on paper. The composition invites us into a serene landscape through layered tonal variations. Notice how the artist orchestrates space using subtle gradations of light. This technique blurs the distinction between near and far, resulting in a dreamlike, unifying effect. The eye is drawn across the scene following the gentle undulation of the terrain, punctuated by groupings of trees and structures. These elements, like the winding path and distant buildings, serve as signifiers, hinting at human presence within nature’s calm. The limited colour palette shifts our focus to the texture and density of Bartlett’s marks. Bartlett captures more than just a view; he presents a structured meditation on space and form. This work invites ongoing reflection on how we perceive and define our surroundings.