Neapolitan Fishing Boats Returning Home

1884

Robert Swain Gifford

Associated Names
Robert Swain Gifford

Artist, American, 1840 - 1905

The image shows a seascape with a sailboat navigating choppy waters. The viewpoint is slightly elevated, revealing the tops of the waves and the motion of the sea. The horizon is low with a setting sun casting a soft glow on the water. The brushstrokes are defined and expressive, capturing the sea's movement and texture. The color palette is monochromatic, dominated by shades of brown and beige. The sailboat is tilted by the wind, with figures on the deck. Two smaller sailboats are in the distance to the right. The sky above has light cloud-like streaks.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.
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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Matthew S. Marks, Ltd., New York, NY); Dave and Reba Williams, Greenwich, CT, January 1987; gift to NGA, December 2008

Associated Names

Bibliography

2002

  • Wright, David G. R. Swain Gifford: A Catalogue of Etchings, 1865-1891. Massachusetts: New Bedford Whaling Museum, 2002, p. 119, no. 51.

Inscriptions

lower right in plate: R. Swain Gifford 1884; lower right in graphite: R. Swain Gifford; lower left corner in graphite by unknown hand: 16; lower right corner in graphite by unknown hand: 9B

Wikidata ID

Q76550697

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