Study of a Tree 1861 - 1864

Albert Bierstadt's "Study of a Tree" (1861–1864) is a small, detailed charcoal drawing that highlights the artist's meticulous observation of nature. This preliminary study, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is characterized by its use of tonal variation to capture the texture and depth of the tree's bark. Bierstadt, known for his monumental landscapes of the American West, demonstrates his mastery of drawing in this intimate composition.