An Arctic Summer: Boring Through the Pack in Melville Bay

William Bradford

Created:
Movement:
1871
Realism
key Notes:
Arctic exploration; Icebound seascape
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Dimensions:
51 3/4 x 78 in. (131.4 x 198.1 cm); framed: 60 x 86 1/2 x 4 in.
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

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An Arctic Summer: Boring Through the Pack in Melville Bay

Artist: William Bradford

Year: 1871

Medium: Oil on canvas

Artistic and Historical Impact

William Bradford's "An Arctic Summer: Boring Through the Pack in Melville Bay" is a significant work that captures the stark beauty and formidable challenges of Arctic exploration in the 19th century. The painting is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and atmospheric rendering, which reflect Bradford's dedication to accurately depicting the Arctic landscape. This work is part of a broader movement during the period that sought to document and romanticize the exploration of remote and uncharted territories. Bradford's paintings contributed to the public's fascination with the Arctic, influencing both artistic and scientific communities of his time.

Biographical Context

William Bradford (1823–1892) was an American artist renowned for his maritime paintings, particularly those depicting the icy landscapes of the Arctic. His interest in the Arctic was fueled by several expeditions to the region, where he gathered sketches and photographs that informed his studio work. Bradford's commitment to realism and his adventurous spirit positioned him as a key figure in the Hudson River School and the Luminism movement, which emphasized the effects of light and atmosphere in landscape painting.

Description of the work:

An Arctic Summer: Boring Through the Pack in Melville Bay

Created in 1871 by William Bradford, this oil on canvas painting depicts a ship navigating through the icy waters of Melville Bay, capturing the stark beauty and challenges of Arctic exploration. The artwork is characterized by its detailed realism and atmospheric use of light, reflecting Bradford's interest in the natural environment and maritime subjects.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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An Arctic Summer: Boring Through the Pack in Melville Bay