Study of Mountains and Hills (from Sketchbook) 1834 - 1838

This is John William Casilear's "Study of Mountains and Hills," a graphite drawing, likely from the mid-19th century. The initial impression is one of openness and simplicity. Casilear uses minimal, almost hesitant lines to depict a broad landscape. The composition is sparse, dominated by the gentle slopes of hills and mountains. The formal qualities of the artwork reveal an interest in the structural elements of landscape rather than a detailed representation. Casilear's lines are not used to define edges, but instead to suggest form through hatching and shading. This technique, while simple, invokes a sense of depth and volume across the scene. The stark contrast between the almost empty sky and the textured earth below draws the viewer's eye, creating a sense of scale and distance. There is an underlying structural framework that invites us to consider the basic geometric forms that constitute our perception of nature. Through this reduction, Casilear encourages a deeper engagement with the fundamental elements of the natural world.