Goodrich Falls, Ellis River, New Hampshire

Daniel Huntington's sketch captures a dramatic cascade in the New Hampshire landscape. Using charcoal and white chalk on tan paper, the artist rendered the falls with dynamic diagonal strokes that convey both the movement of water and the rocky terrain. Huntington (1816–1906) was a prominent American painter known for historical and genre scenes; this study demonstrates his attention to natural forms and the play of light across geological features. Such sketches served as foundational studies for larger studio compositions, allowing the artist to work out compositional problems and tonal effects before committing to finished paintings.