Seascape c. 19th century

Curator: This is John Sell Cotman's "Seascape," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. It evokes such a strong sense of foreboding, doesn’t it? Editor: Yes, a dramatic work for sure! I’m immediately drawn to the sharp contrast between the dark sails and the turbulent, almost sketch-like rendering of the waves. Curator: Cotman was deeply influenced by the Picturesque movement; a fascination with nature's sublime power runs throughout British art of this period. This seascape presents a vision of humans navigating a rough sea. Editor: The composition reinforces that theme, doesn't it? The boats are relatively small, dwarfed by the sky and the rough waters. Note the quick, expressive marks used to depict the wind and waves—a technique that really amplifies the drama. Curator: Absolutely. Seascapes gained popularity as Britain expanded its naval power and maritime trade in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This is also the time when Romanticism turned to nature and its discontents. Editor: I agree. The formal elements work in concert to produce the affective result; a stark and ominous vision of the natural world. Curator: Seeing it this way enriches our understanding of the historical context. Editor: And appreciating the context deepens our reading of the image.