Dimensions: 18″ x 22″
Maker: Unknown
Location: Hudson River Valley, New York
Date: circa 1840
Commentary: The most striking feature of this very appealing painting is the group of colorful hay sloops tied together near the boating party that occupies the foreground. As one visitor to the region wrote, “Twelve hundred sloops are employed on the Hudson. They are painted in the most brilliant colors, and their white sails, and variegated flags and streamers, present a beautiful addition to the scenery of the river.” The sloops were the principal means of providing hay to New York City, the fuel of the horse drawn era, and were quite common on all parts of the river during the early and middle decades of the 19th century. Clouds tower over the tranquil riverscape as the gentlemen fish, the ladies sit beneath their parasols and the nearby sloops seem becalmed. On the distant wooded bank stands a columned mansion but there is insufficient detail to identify the location of the scene.
The style of this pleasing composition suggests that it may have been executed by an artist first trained as a watercolorist. While at first glance the painting seems to have a natural quality, a closer look suggests an artist with considerable skill and experience in handling light, balance and color.
Condition: The canvas is unlined and appears to on its original stretcher. The painting has been professionally cleaned and is in excellent condition. The frame is period but not original to the painting.
Price: Sold
Additional Photos
Painting in frame
Detailed image of boating party
