Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2009.

Harbor Scene With Towers

Artist Unknown

ArtistAfter Salvator Rosa (Italian, 1615-1673)

DateLate 18th or early 19th century

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/2 x 15 1/2 in. (29.2 x 39.4 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Robert E. Edwards in loving memory of Mrs. Marion Peele Bowe and Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Edwards

Object number2000.11.2

Terms

Harbor
Towers
People
Brown
Red
Blue
White
Black
Romantic

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is an oil on canvas painting depicting a harbor scene with tower structures in the background. It is a copy of Salvator Rosa's painting of the same title in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence. In the foreground are various figures in buccaneer style clothes. They appear to be fishing and talking. At the rocks in the foreground are additional people who appear to be loading or unloading the ships, which are docked beyond the rocks. In the center foreground are a few people in a dory, perhaps also unloading or maybe fishing. Most of the figures wear hats or turbans and some wear bright red clothing, while others wear more neutral browns. At left and center midground are larger ships with their sails down. At right foreground and midground are architectural ruins with tours and arches abounding. From the tops of the ruins grow several trees and other flora to emphasize the decadent state of the buildings. At left midground and background is the water with smaller ships to create the illusion of deep space. There is a town and rocky cliffs at left, which become pale, ghostlike shadows as they disappear into the distance. The horizon line is two-thirds from the top of the canvas. The sky is light blue with numerous puffy, white clouds. In the upper right there are birds in the sky.

Label TextUnknown Artist, possibly Italian (after Salvator Rosa) Harbor Scene with Towers, late 18th or early 19th century Oil on canvas, 11-1/2 x 15-1/2 Gift of Robert E. Edwards in loving memory of Mrs. Marion Peele Bowe and Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Edwards Written By: MTH Edited By: