Description
Renowned British maritime and landscape artist Henry Moore (1831-1895) grew famous for his impressive seascapes in the mid-nineteenth century. Educated by his father, the portraitist William Moore, Henry Moore entered the Royal Academy School in 1853 and began his professional exhibitions that same year. His subjects, land, and seascapes, were shown in a number of prominent art galleries, including the Royal Gallery, the Society of British Arts, and the Grosvenor Gallery. In 1880, Moore achieved full membership in the Royal Watercolour Society; in 1893, he became a full Royal Academician, an elite position held by only forty-two of the most accomplished British artists. Moore’s induction recognized his superior achievement in depicting color and waveform. Today his work retains interest among curators and collectors alike; some of his most famous pieces remain on view at the Tate, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Manchester Art Gallery.
This oil on canvas entitled “A Breezy Day in the Channel” portrays one of Moore’s best subjects: the open ocean, a bevy of sailing ships assailed by rough waters. Dark clouds foretell a coming storm. Notice the painter’s exceptionally controlled color palette: the yellow-green waves are little distinguished from the golden-toned sky, only a reddish flag flying from the closest ship deviates from the otherwise muted canvas. This restraint masterfully underscores the painting’s somewhat ominous tone; from the right, soft-brushed darkness seems to suggest the first storm cloud.
A relatable work to the modern sailor or fisherman, this piece would make an excellent addition to any home library, office, or living room.
Dimensions with frame: H= 31.5 in., W= 47 in., D=3 in. , 25 lbs.
Dimensions of canvas only: H= 24 in. W= 40 in.
