Similar Items
George William Whitaker 'Harbor landscape'
$500.00 USD
George William Whitaker: "Harbor Landscape"
"Harbor Landscape" by George William Whitaker is an impressionist masterpiece that portrays a picturesque scene featuring houses and the masts of ships beside an ocean-facing cliff. Whitaker's artistic talent was recognized and appreciated by renowned landscape artists George Inness and Alexander Wyant, which led him to pursue further studies in France under Laszlo DePaal. After his studies, he returned to New England, where he left an indelible mark on the art scene.
Details:
Artist: George William Whitaker
Title: Harbor Landscape
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Dimensions: Sight 9.25 x 20.75 inches; Frame 17.5 x 29.625 inches
Condition Report: The back of the frame shows some damage, and the painting itself exhibits foxing, but overall, it is in good condition.
Provenance: The artwork comes from the collection of an Uxbridge, Massachusetts gentleman.
Notes: The painting is signed "G. W. Whitaker" in the lower right corner.
About the Artist:
George William Whitaker (1834 - 1874) was a prominent landscape painter based in Rhode Island during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was affectionately referred to as the "Dean of Providence painters" or the "Dean of Rhode Island Artists." Whitaker was born on September 25, 1840, in Fall River, Massachusetts. After facing the loss of both parents at an early age, he was raised by his maternal grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island. Despite these hardships, he displayed exceptional drawing skills during his schooling.
Whitaker's journey as an artist began with his apprenticeship as an engraver in New York City. However, his interest soon shifted towards painting, and he sought guidance from painters of the Hudson River School. He further honed his skills under the mentorship of George Inness and Alexander Wyant. Eventually, he went to Paris to study with the Hungarian painter László Paál, where he was deeply influenced by Jean-François Millet and the Barbizon School.
After his time in Europe, Whitaker returned to Providence in 1871 and played a pivotal role in the local art community. He actively supported and critiqued the works of other artists and was instrumental in founding the Providence Art Club. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the establishment of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and became its first instructor of oil painting.
Whitaker's artistic style typically featured meadowlands near forests, winding roadways over hills, and picturesque skies with white cumulus clouds. His artworks were devoted to the Barbizon School's principles, elevating nature as the subject of his paintings. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his artistic approach and was critical of more modern art movements.
Artwork Description:
"Harbor Landscape" showcases George William Whitaker's masterful use of watercolors to create a stunning impressionist depiction. The artwork captures a tranquil harbor scene with houses situated along the coastline. The masts of ships rise majestically, enhancing the nautical atmosphere. In the background, an ocean-facing cliff adds to the allure of the scene, creating a sense of natural harmony.
Whitaker's brushwork captures the essence of the landscape, skillfully rendering the interplay of light and shadow, the reflection of colors on the water, and the overall atmosphere of the harbor. The impressionist style allows viewers to experience the scene with a sense of spontaneity and emotional resonance.
Impact and Legacy:
George William Whitaker's "Harbor Landscape" exemplifies his exceptional artistic ability and deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. The painting's composition and use of watercolors breathe life into the serene harbor setting, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene.
Whitaker's contributions to the art community in Providence and beyond have left a lasting impact on the landscape genre. His dedication to supporting fellow artists and his instrumental role in founding art institutions have solidified his position as a significant figure in the region's artistic heritage.
Through his artistic endeavors and influences, George William Whitaker continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the Rhode Island art scene and the art world at large. His works can be found in prestigious collections, including those at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence Art Club, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Kresge Art Museum at Michigan State University. In recognition of his artistic legacy, he was posthumously inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2011. Additionally, a retrospective exhibition titled "The Mind's Eye: The Art and Influence of George W. Whitaker" held at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum in 2019, further celebrated his lasting influence on the art world.
"Harbor Landscape" by George William Whitaker is an impressionist masterpiece that portrays a picturesque scene featuring houses and the masts of ships beside an ocean-facing cliff. Whitaker's artistic talent was recognized and appreciated by renowned landscape artists George Inness and Alexander Wyant, which led him to pursue further studies in France under Laszlo DePaal. After his studies, he returned to New England, where he left an indelible mark on the art scene.
Details:
Artist: George William Whitaker
Title: Harbor Landscape
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Dimensions: Sight 9.25 x 20.75 inches; Frame 17.5 x 29.625 inches
Condition Report: The back of the frame shows some damage, and the painting itself exhibits foxing, but overall, it is in good condition.
Provenance: The artwork comes from the collection of an Uxbridge, Massachusetts gentleman.
Notes: The painting is signed "G. W. Whitaker" in the lower right corner.
About the Artist:
George William Whitaker (1834 - 1874) was a prominent landscape painter based in Rhode Island during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was affectionately referred to as the "Dean of Providence painters" or the "Dean of Rhode Island Artists." Whitaker was born on September 25, 1840, in Fall River, Massachusetts. After facing the loss of both parents at an early age, he was raised by his maternal grandparents in Providence, Rhode Island. Despite these hardships, he displayed exceptional drawing skills during his schooling.
Whitaker's journey as an artist began with his apprenticeship as an engraver in New York City. However, his interest soon shifted towards painting, and he sought guidance from painters of the Hudson River School. He further honed his skills under the mentorship of George Inness and Alexander Wyant. Eventually, he went to Paris to study with the Hungarian painter László Paál, where he was deeply influenced by Jean-François Millet and the Barbizon School.
After his time in Europe, Whitaker returned to Providence in 1871 and played a pivotal role in the local art community. He actively supported and critiqued the works of other artists and was instrumental in founding the Providence Art Club. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the establishment of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and became its first instructor of oil painting.
Whitaker's artistic style typically featured meadowlands near forests, winding roadways over hills, and picturesque skies with white cumulus clouds. His artworks were devoted to the Barbizon School's principles, elevating nature as the subject of his paintings. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his artistic approach and was critical of more modern art movements.
Artwork Description:
"Harbor Landscape" showcases George William Whitaker's masterful use of watercolors to create a stunning impressionist depiction. The artwork captures a tranquil harbor scene with houses situated along the coastline. The masts of ships rise majestically, enhancing the nautical atmosphere. In the background, an ocean-facing cliff adds to the allure of the scene, creating a sense of natural harmony.
Whitaker's brushwork captures the essence of the landscape, skillfully rendering the interplay of light and shadow, the reflection of colors on the water, and the overall atmosphere of the harbor. The impressionist style allows viewers to experience the scene with a sense of spontaneity and emotional resonance.
Impact and Legacy:
George William Whitaker's "Harbor Landscape" exemplifies his exceptional artistic ability and deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. The painting's composition and use of watercolors breathe life into the serene harbor setting, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the scene.
Whitaker's contributions to the art community in Providence and beyond have left a lasting impact on the landscape genre. His dedication to supporting fellow artists and his instrumental role in founding art institutions have solidified his position as a significant figure in the region's artistic heritage.
Through his artistic endeavors and influences, George William Whitaker continues to be celebrated for his contributions to the Rhode Island art scene and the art world at large. His works can be found in prestigious collections, including those at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence Art Club, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Kresge Art Museum at Michigan State University. In recognition of his artistic legacy, he was posthumously inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2011. Additionally, a retrospective exhibition titled "The Mind's Eye: The Art and Influence of George W. Whitaker" held at the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum in 2019, further celebrated his lasting influence on the art world.
Popular Items
