Created:
Movement:
1872
Tonalism
key Notes:
Luminist seascape, Tranquil coastal scene
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Dimensions:
31 x 48 in. (78.7 x 121.9 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"Newport Rocks" is a painting by American artist John Frederick Kensett, created in 1872. Kensett was a prominent member of the Hudson River School, known for his landscapes that emphasize light and atmosphere. The painting depicts a coastal scene featuring rugged rocks and the ocean, characteristic of Kensett's focus on natural beauty. Kensett often painted en plein air, capturing the effects of light and weather on the landscape. "Newport Rocks" reflects the artist's interest in the New England coastline, particularly the area around Newport, Rhode Island. The work is notable for its serene composition and the use of color to convey the tranquility of the scene. Kensett's technique involved layering paint to achieve depth and luminosity. The painting is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Further details about the painting's provenance or exhibition history are not widely documented.

Description of the work:

"Newport Rocks," painted by John Frederick Kensett in 1872, is an oil on canvas work that captures a coastal landscape. The composition features rugged rock formations set against a serene seascape, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. Kensett employs a palette dominated by cool blues and greens, contrasting with warm earth tones in the rocks. The sky is rendered in soft, diffused light, suggesting either dawn or dusk, which enhances the tranquil atmosphere of the scene. The meticulous attention to detail in the textures of the rocks and the fluidity of the water exemplifies Kensett's mastery of the luminist style. The painting invites viewers to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow, as well as the natural beauty of the coastal environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Newport Rocks