Rocky Seascape
Artist
William Trost Richards
(American, 1833-1905)
CultureAmerican
Date19th century
MediumWatercolor on wove paper
DimensionsOverall: 12 x 24 in. (30.5 x 61 cm)
Credit LineGift of Edith Ballinger Price
Object number94.24.33
Not on view
DescriptionThis is a large watercolor painting. The rocky seacoast, at right, extends across the image receding into the background. The lower left corner is untouched by paint.Label TextRocky Seascape, ca. 1880s–90s Watercolor on wove paper Richards’ wife, Anna Matlack, was an accomplished poet whose creativity and intellect matched that of her artist-husband. The following sonnet reveals that she also shared his love of the sea: Alone in this dim summer light,-- the air Of ocean in the long sea-grass, and flight Of shining mist above me, what delight To seem a part of nature’s self, and dare For these brief moments to forget my share In life’s great tragedy of Wrong and Right Before the listening heavens. On what clear height Far from the inward voices, from despair, Above the irretrievable years, thou reignst, O Nature, fair as in the dawn of Earth! Nor storms nor sunbeams ever reach the soul; And I, forever conquered, fight against The inexorable limits of my birth, And learn no wisdom from thy self-control. Anna Matlack Richards “Sonnet XVIII,” published in 1891 Gift of Edith Ballinger Price 94.24.33 Exhibition History“Seascapes by William Trost Richards,” Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, January 9 - May 1, 2016.
