Sailboat on a Beach

first half 19th century

John Varley

Associated Names
John Varley

Artist, British, 1778 - 1842

The image shows an elevated viewpoint overlooking an scene with a gentle, muted atmosphere. The horizon is placed in the middle of the composition, where land and water meet, intersected by faint structures and the masts of ships. These ships are beyond a small shoreline to the right. The brushstrokes are loose and fluid, with soft edges that suggest forms, creating a dreamy effect. The color palette consists of warm sepia tones, varying shades of brown and gray, giving the scene a soft, monochromatic appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    brown wash and graphite

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 13.5 x 21.7 cm (5 5/16 x 8 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1951.16.159


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

James Bulwer (1794-1879), Norwich, England; by descent through the Bulwer family to Henry Bulwer (born 1854), Vancouver, Canada; Zeitlin & Ver Brugge Booksellers, Los Angeles; Lessing J. Rosenwald; gift to NGA, 1951.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q64584405

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