Edit Object 121

Thomas Somerscales ranks high among the elite of all marine artists and perhaps the finest within his stylized sphere. Concerned directly with the aesthetic quality of the painting's entirety rather than its stark draftsman-like detail, this work is a fine example of his consummate skill as a marine painter. Running downwind, a full rigged ship sheets home her sails and sets her fore royal as her studding sail booms are run out in preparation for ‘cracking on' all available canvas.

The sun is high and the sea is an unmistakable ‘deep water' blue. Somerscales shows his mastery at handling light and shadow on sun-bleached sails. Elements of this painting are blended into a striking ensemble of sea, ship and sky. The ship realistically suggests a sense of rising and falling on the ocean swells and provides the viewer a strong sense of the feel of the wind.

From his unique vantage point in Valparaiso, Chile, a primary seaport for vessels in the pacific trade, Somerscales was able to observe first hand the vessels active in the waning days of merchant sail. He continued to portray the subjects he knew so well that his later paintings are considered some of the finest and most appealing examples to record this important era.

Select a Type
American Ship Portrait
Barometers
Bells
Binnacles & Compasses
Binoculars
Book Maritime
Book Voyages
Books
Books General
Boylhart Collection
Builders Full Models
Builders Half-Model
Canes - Decorative
Canes - Gimmick
Cannons
Carving
Chronometers
Clocks
Contemporary Art
Contemporary Models
Decorative Art - Boxes
Dieppe Models
Diorama Models
Diving Helmets & Equipment
Dockyard Models
Edged Weapons
Engravings
Figureheads
Firearms
Fishing Equipment
Folk Art Models
Furniture
Glass and Pottery
Globes
Jewelry
Joe & Lisa's Art Collection
Lamps
Letters
Lighthouse Artifacts
Limited-Edition Prints
Lithographs
Maps & Charts
Marine Narrative
Marine Narrative at Sea
Medical
Microscopes
Miscellaneous Artifacts
Navigation Instruments - Compass
Navigation Instruments
Navigation Instruments - Sextant
Octants, Quadrants & Backstaffs
Original art
Other Models
Painted Photograph
Passenger Liner Memorabilia
Patent Models
Period Models
Photographs
Pond Models
Pottery
Prints
Prisoner-of-War Artifacts
Prisoner-of-War Models
Sailor Crafts
Sailor Valentines
Sailor Woolworks
Scrimshaw Artifacts
Scrimshaw Private
Scrimshaw Teeth
Sea Chests
Sextants
Ship Clocks
Ship Hardwares
Ship in a Bottle
Ship Log Books
Ships Flogging Whip
Signed Documents
Silver and Silver Plated Models
Speaking Trumpets
Statues
Steam Engine Models
Steam Models
Sundials
Sword
Tankards & Pitchers
Telescopes
Tillers, Rudders & Yokes
Toy Models
Trinity Boxes
Trophys & Presentions
Voyages & Travels
Watches
Whaling