Created:
Movement:
c. 1874–75
Tonalism
key Notes:
Atmospheric Seascape, Luminous Horizon
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Dimensions:
76.8 × 114.9 cm (30 1/4 × 45 1/4 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"A Marine" by George Inness is a notable work that reflects the artist's engagement with landscape painting and his interest in atmospheric effects. Inness, an American painter active in the 19th century, is recognized for his contributions to the Hudson River School and later the Tonalist movement. The painting exemplifies his ability to capture the interplay of light and water, a characteristic feature of his marine subjects. The date of creation for "A Marine" is not definitively recorded, but it is generally placed within the later years of Inness's career, when he was increasingly focused on mood and emotion in his landscapes. The work is characterized by a soft palette and a sense of tranquility, typical of Inness's style during this period. It is part of a broader exploration of nature that seeks to evoke a spiritual response from the viewer. The painting is held in a private collection, contributing to the ongoing appreciation of Inness's legacy in American art history.

Description of the work:

"A Marine" by George Inness is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's engagement with landscape and atmospheric effects. The composition features a tranquil seascape, characterized by a gentle interplay of light and shadow across the water's surface. The palette is dominated by soft blues and greens, evoking a sense of calm and serenity. The horizon line is positioned low, allowing for an expansive view of the sky, which is rendered in delicate, wispy clouds that suggest a transition in weather. The brushwork is fluid and expressive, contributing to the overall sense of movement within the water and sky. Inness's treatment of light reflects his interest in the effects of natural illumination, creating a harmonious balance between the elements of land, sea, and sky. The painting embodies the Romantic ideals of nature's beauty and the sublime, inviting contemplation of the natural world.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

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A Marine