Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water

William Bradford

Created:
Movement:
1892
Realism
key Notes:
Arctic seascape, Maritime exploration
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Dimensions:
18 x 30 1/8 in. (45.7 x 76.5 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

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William Bradford's "Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water" (1892)

William Bradford (1823–1892) was an American artist renowned for his maritime paintings, particularly those depicting the icy landscapes of the Arctic. His work, "Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water", created in 1892, exemplifies his fascination with the Arctic's vast and desolate beauty, rendered in oil on canvas. Bradford's paintings are significant for their detailed portrayal of the whaling industry, a crucial aspect of 19th-century maritime commerce. His expeditions to the Arctic, often accompanied by photographers, allowed him to capture the stark realism and atmospheric conditions of the region. This painting not only reflects Bradford's technical skill but also serves as a historical document of the era's whaling practices and the challenges faced by seafarers. Bradford's contributions to art and exploration were recognized in his time, and his works continue to be valued for their historical and artistic insights into the Arctic environment.

Description of the work:

Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water by William Bradford

Created in 1892, William Bradford's "Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water" is an oil on canvas painting that captures the stark and dramatic landscape of the Arctic, emphasizing the struggle of a whaling ship navigating through icy waters. The artwork is characteristic of Bradford's realistic style, focusing on the interplay of light and shadow to convey the harshness and beauty of the polar environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water