Mount Chocorua and Lake 1873

William Trost Richards made this painting of Mount Chocorua and Lake using graphite and white gouache on gray paper. Richards was known for his detailed landscape paintings, and this piece exemplifies his dedication to capturing the natural world with precision. Look closely, and you’ll see how the graphite creates fine lines and subtle tonal variations, while the gouache adds highlights and depth. The gray paper acts as a middle ground, unifying the composition. What’s particularly interesting is the way Richards combines traditional drawing techniques with the qualities of gouache. Graphite, a readily available material, allows for detailed work, yet Richards's artistic skill transforms these humble materials into a refined artwork. In doing so, he elevates the status of drawing, and asks us to reflect on the labor and skill involved in creating such a detailed landscape. Paintings such as this, so evocative of place, helped to define an American aesthetic. It also reminds us of the cultural work involved in shaping and promoting an idea of "nature".