Robert Salmon

American, born England, 1775 - c. 1845

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This painting shows a seascape with sailboats and ships on the water. On the left is a small boat with its sails tied and several people aboard. A larger ship with unfurled sails and an American flag is in the center. On the right is the tallest sailing ship, with billowing white sails and a red-and-white flag atop its masts. There are more boats visible in the distance to the left and right, and they all have people faintly visible on their decks. The horizon is low against the sky, revealing a distant shoreline with buildings and trees on the left. The color palette is warm and muted, with soft browns, creams, and grays dominating the scene. The ocean below is a gray-green color with small waves, and the sky above is cloudy and gray.
Robert Salmon, Boston Harbor, 1843, oil on wood, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase and exchange, through the gift of Orme Wilson, 1955), 2015.19.77

Boston Harbor

Robert Salmon · 1843 · oil on wood ·  Accession ID  2015.19.77
This painting depicts a maritime scene with several large sailing ships, viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is low in the painting, creating a wide expanse of sky above the ships and distant coastline with hills, trees, and a line of small buildings. In the center of the painting, a large ship faces the right, with several large white sails, blue flags, and red banners. One flag has the word "FAVORITE" visible as it ripples in the wind. Small people line the deck of this ship, and more people are visible in small row boats that float next to it. There are two other large ships to the left and right, as well as smaller rowboats and sailboats. The light blue sky is cloudy, and the water below the ships is pale green with soft white waves.
Robert Salmon, The Ship "Favorite" Maneuvering Off Greenock, 1819, oil on canvas, Paul Mellon Collection, 1981.54.1

The Ship "Favorite" Maneuvering Off Greenock

Robert Salmon · 1819 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1981.54.1