English and French Fishing Boats off Yarmouth 

George Morland captured this marine scene on canvas, using oil paints. While the subject seems traditional, the specific handling of the materials gives us insight into the economic realities of the time. Consider the way Morland has applied the paint. It's not about precise detail but capturing the overall atmosphere. This was not unusual, but it does speak to the demands of the art market; he needed to produce paintings quickly to make a living. The visible brushstrokes, particularly in the sky and water, reveal the speed of execution. The muted color palette, dominated by browns and grays, further suggests a practical approach; perhaps he was trying to reduce the cost, by avoiding expensive pigments. Even the subject matter, fishing boats, connects to the broader economy of 18th-century England. Fishing was a vital industry, and paintings like these helped to celebrate and perhaps romanticize the nation's maritime power. So, while the painting may appear to be a straightforward seascape, it’s deeply embedded in the economic and material conditions of its time.