The Fore Chains

1922

George Canning Wales

Associated Names
George Canning Wales

Artist, American, 1868 - 1940

The image is an etching portraying a tall ship with expansive sails catching the wind. The perspective is from below, emphasizing the height and scale of the vessel's mast and rigging against a backdrop of churning waves. The style features detailed lines depicting the ropes and sails, with expressive brushstrokes creating texture and movement. The ocean is depicted with swirling waves, conveying energy and action. The color palette is monochrome, using shades of black and white to highlight the ship's structure and the sea.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and drypoint on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    plate: 24.9 × 17.6 cm (9 13/16 × 6 15/16 in.)
    sheet: 30.9 × 24.3 cm (12 3/16 × 9 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.3127

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

"G.C.W. 1922" lower right composition, in plate, artist's hand. "THE FORE CHAINS" lower right composition, in plate, artist's hand. "George C. Wales" lower right margin, graphite, artist's hand.

Markings

"LRJ" verso, black stamped ink. "National Gallery of Art" verso, black stamped ink.

Watermarks

[script "Y"]

Wikidata ID

Q64956867

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