Seascape (from Sketchbook VII) 1886

William Trost Richards sketched this seascape with graphite on paper, and it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition divides the scene into distinct horizontal bands: the turbulent sky above, a restless sea, and the tranquil shore. Look closely at how Richards uses hatching to evoke a sense of depth and atmosphere. Notice the short, dark lines in the sky, which suggest an impending storm. Below, the sea is rendered with more frenetic strokes, capturing its movement. The beach, in contrast, is smooth, achieved with minimal lines, suggesting stillness. Richards’ seascapes reflect broader artistic and philosophical concerns of his time. He was part of the American Pre-Raphaelite movement, which emphasized detailed observation of nature. This commitment to realism, coupled with the stark tonal contrasts, creates a dramatic tension that oscillates between tranquility and foreboding. It's in this interplay that we see how a simple sketch can invite complex reflections on our relationship with the natural world.