The Shipwreck

Elihu Vedder, c. 1880

The image shows a maritime scene from an elevated point of view. Three boats are navigating rough waters: two small rowing boats with figures and a larger ship in the distance. The horizon blends into the overcast sky with dramatic clouds. The brushstrokes are expressive and loose, capturing the dynamic movement of waves and sky. The color palette is subdued with grays, blues, and white for the frothy water, conveying stormy weather.
Artist
Elihu Vedder
Date
c. 1880
Type
Drawing
Medium
charcoal, watercolor, and gouache on blue laid paper
Dimensions
32.2 × 24.8 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

The image shows a maritime scene from an elevated point of view. Three boats are navigating rough waters: two small rowing boats with figures and a larger ship in the distance. The horizon blends into the overcast sky with dramatic clouds. The brushstrokes are expressive and loose, capturing the dynamic movement of waves and sky. The color palette is subdued with grays, blues, and white for the frothy water, conveying stormy weather.

Elihu Vedder