작품 상세

W. Richards 19th Century Crossing the Harbor Signed W. Richards (ll) Oil on canvas 17 7/8 x 30 inches Provenance: Private collection, Laguna Beach, CA This painting is modeled on the work of Francis A. Silva (1835-1886). The scene portrayed reiterates Silva's Ferryboats near the Battery (1874; art market), while the sailboat at the right is similar to such vessels in other works by Silva, including The Hudson River Looking toward the Catskills (1871; art market). As no information has yet come to light on the artist, it is unknown whether W. Richards knew Silva or simply emulated him. The painting, nonetheless, is filled with the stillness of Luminist light, expressing a calm, idealized vision of the Hudson River, as a place embracing both fishermen casting nets from small rowboats and steam-driven ferries. The image fits within an American pastoral tradition, incorporating industrial forms into optimistic and peaceful visions of the American landscape. C The Spanierman Gallery, LLC