Marine 1868 - 1871

Edward Moran made this painting, Marine, using oil on canvas, but the real story here is less about fine art and more about labor. Notice how the thick application of paint mimics the churning surface of the water, full of texture and movement. Moran’s skill in rendering the scene is undeniable. The roughness of the sea, the workboat, the men on board – all speak to the daily lives of maritime workers. The artist had to understand ships, sails, and the feel of the ocean to capture this scene accurately. The painting doesn't just show us a pretty picture; it shows us the reality of working-class life on the water. So, while Marine might look like a traditional landscape, it’s actually deeply connected to the social realities of its time, highlighting the labor and expertise involved in maritime industries.