Unidentified sketch – landscape 

This landscape sketch was made with watercolor by Edwin Austin Abbey, though the date remains unknown. Abbey, who lived from 1852 to 1911, occupied a unique position as an American artist who achieved considerable acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. This delicate watercolor offers a glimpse into the artist's process of observing and interpreting the natural world. What does it mean to sketch a landscape? In the late 19th century, when Abbey was active, landscapes were often tied to ideas about national identity, as artists sought to capture the essence of their homelands. Here, the soft washes of color create a dreamlike effect, blurring the boundaries between representation and abstraction. Through this work, Abbey invites us to pause, breathe, and connect with the world around us, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the natural world.