Bay of New York, Sunset

mid 19th century

Thomas Chambers

Associated Names
Thomas Chambers

Artist, American, 1808 - 1866 or after

The artwork depicts a maritime scene with a large ship prominently positioned close to us, its sails unfurled and an American flag waving at the stern. The ship is detailed with intricate rigging and is set against a sky transitioning from blue to a warm sunset hue. To the left, a fort-like structure sits on a small peninsula, with seagulls circling above. Beyond, additional ships with sails full are visible on the horizon, which is placed high in the composition. The water reflects the sky's colors, with gentle waves adding texture to the scene. The palette is a blend of soft blues, pinks, and warm earth tones.

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Artwork overview

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Purchased by 1973 by Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch;[1] gift to NGA, 1973.

[1] No donor records for this work exist in NGA curatorial files.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1961

  • Extended loan for use by the Attorney-General, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., 1961-1967.

1974

  • Extended loan for use by Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., 1974-1975.

1976

  • Extended loan for use by the Ambassador, U.S. Embassy residence, Kuwait, 1976-1979.

1981

  • Extended loan for use by Vice President George Bush, Old Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C., 1981.

1989

  • Extended loan for use by Carla Hills, U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, D.C., 1989-1993.

1993

  • Extended loan for use by Michael Kantor, U.S. Trade Representative, Washington, D.C., 1993-

2001

  • Extended loan for use by Secretary Mel Martinez, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Washington, D.C., 2001-2005.

2005

  • Extended loan for use by Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C., 2005-2008.

2014

  • Extended loan for use by Secretary Arne Duncan, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C., 2014-2016.

Bibliography

1980

  • American Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1980: 126, repro.

1992

  • American Paintings: An Illustrated Catalogue. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1992: 136, repro.

  • Chotner, Deborah, with contributions by Julie Aronson, Sarah D. Cash, and Laurie Weitzenkorn. American Naive Paintings. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. Washington, D.C., 1992: 44, 47, repro. 44.

Wikidata ID

Q20184983

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