Title: Fishing Boats in Stormy Waters

Artist: English School, 19th Century
Medium: Oil on Board
Date: 1889 
Dimensions: 20 x 25 cm
Signature: Monogrammed "JHT" and dated 1889
Condition Report: Good condition, with expected signs of age

Description:

This dramatic maritime scene, painted in oil on board, depicts fishing boats braving turbulent, stormy waters. The artist skillfully captures the powerful movement of the sea, with churning waves and a dark, overcast sky adding to the intensity of the moment. The use of rich, textured brushstrokes conveys both the chaos and beauty of nature, while the composition emphasizes the smallness of the boats against the vast, formidable ocean.

The painting is monogrammed "JHT" and dated 1889, suggesting it was created during the late 19th century, a period when English maritime painting flourished. The work reflects the Romantic tradition, reminiscent of artists like J.M.W. Turner, who were known for their expressive and atmospheric seascapes.

About the Artist:

While the specific artist behind this piece remains unknown, it belongs to the English School, a collective term for British artists who painted in a variety of styles throughout history. Marine painting was a significant genre in 19th-century British art, influenced by the nation's strong naval heritage and fascination with the sea. Many artists of the period focused on coastal life, fishing communities, and the untamed power of the ocean, producing evocative and timeless imagery.