Coast of Cornwall 1891

George Inness painted this canvas of the Coast of Cornwall in 1887. It's a scene of turbulent energy: boats pitched by waves, a figure battling the elements on the shore. Inness was an American landscape painter, but here he depicts the coast of Cornwall in England. As such, it invites us to consider transatlantic connections and the art market of the time. By the late 19th century, artists were increasingly mobile, seeking inspiration and sales across national borders. Cornwall, with its dramatic coastline, was becoming a popular subject for artists, and Inness likely saw an opportunity to appeal to both American and British patrons with this painting. To truly understand a work like this, we delve into exhibition histories, collectors' records, and the artist's biography. We can better understand the complex social and institutional forces that shaped its creation and reception.