A Ship 1851

David Cox made this watercolor painting of a ship sometime in the early 19th century. He worked on paper, a common support at the time, applying thin washes of pigment. Look closely, and you can see how Cox built up the image, allowing the paper to show through in places, and how the fluidity of the watercolor lends a sense of immediacy. The quick, gestural marks capture the essence of the boat and its rigging. The red sails add a pop of color, contrasting with the muted tones of the hull and the surrounding water. What is fascinating is that the watercolor technique itself mirrors the maritime subject. Like the labor of sailors exposed to the elements, the watercolorist works rapidly, accepting the inevitable drips and variations of the medium. In a sense, Cox, the artist, is also a kind of craftsman, whose skill lies in controlling unpredictable materials. This reminds us that all art is, at some level, about the process of making.