Viewing the Ships 1896

Maurice Prendergast created this watercolour painting, *Viewing the Ships*, during his time in America. It depicts a couple sitting on a grassy bank, looking out at sailing ships on the water. This quiet, domestic scene invites us to reflect on the leisure activities of the middle classes in late 19th-century America. Prendergast’s loose brushwork and light palette evoke a sense of tranquility and harmony with nature. But the image also raises questions about the social conditions that made such leisure possible. Who had the time and resources to enjoy such scenes? What kinds of labour supported this lifestyle? How might the experience of viewing the ships have differed for people of different social classes or racial backgrounds? As art historians, we can turn to period sources such as diaries, letters, and photographs to gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context of this artwork. By examining the material conditions of its production and reception, we can uncover the complex meanings embedded within this seemingly simple image.