Shipping in a Swell 1824 - 1827

Richard Parkes Bonington created this watercolour, “Shipping in a Swell,” using pigments ground from minerals, suspended in gum arabic, on a paper support. The nature of the materials dictated a great deal about the finished image. The fluidity of watercolor allowed Bonington to quickly capture the essence of a scene – in this case, ships braving turbulent waters. The transparent washes of color create a sense of light and atmosphere, especially when the white of the paper shines through. It’s worth considering the social context in which Bonington was working. During the 19th century, Britain's naval power was closely linked to its economic strength and imperial ambitions. Maritime scenes like this one were popular, not merely for their aesthetic appeal but also as emblems of national pride and the projection of dominance across the seas. Focusing on the materials and making of an artwork like this helps us understand the context in which it was created, and reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward images are often laden with cultural meaning.