William Webb, British Coastal Fishing Marine, 1885, Oil, Framed

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An atmospheric Victorian marine oil painting by William Webb (1862–1903), depicting fishing vessels drawn up along the shoreline of a … Read more An atmospheric Victorian marine oil painting by William Webb (1862–1903), depicting fishing vessels drawn up along the shoreline of a coastal town. Signed and dated “W. Webb ’85” lower left, the work dates to 1885 and is a substantial example of the artist’s characteristic marine subject matter. Webb captures the working character of the coast with fishing boats occupying the foreground, their sails rising prominently against a softly illuminated sky. Fishermen and smaller vessels animate the shoreline, while the buildings of the coastal settlement recede into the distance. The restrained palette and carefully observed maritime details create both a sense of atmosphere and an evocative record of late 19th-century coastal life. Born in 1862, William Webb lived and worked primarily in Manchester, although he travelled extensively in search of coastal subjects and was particularly associated with views of the Isle of Man. He began exhibiting in Manchester in 1889 and subsequently showed 57 works there. He also exhibited in Liverpool and at the Royal Academy in London. In 1899, he was elected an Associate of the Manchester Academy of Fine Arts. Webb's relatively short career ended with his death in 1903, making his surviving marine paintings an interesting representation of late Victorian British coastal painting. The work is signed and dated W. Webb ’85 lower left and is presented in an ornate gilt frame. Artist: William Webb (1862–1903) Date: 1885 Medium: Oil on canvas Subject: Coastal / fishing / marine scene Signed: W. Webb ’85, lower left Artwork dimensions: 24 × 36 in (61 × 91 cm) Framed dimensions: 31 × 43 in (79 × 109 cm) Period: Victorian, late 19th century Origin: England See less