Moonlight Coastal Scene
- Date
- 1836
- Material
- Oil on panel
- Classification
- Paintings
- Collection
- American Art
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 338
- Dimensions
- 16 5/8 x 24 1/4 in. (42.2 x 61.6 cm)
framed: 23 1/16 x 30 7/8 in. (58.6 x 78.4 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase and funds given by Mr. and Mrs. Duncan C. Dobson, the Eliza McMillan Trust, and anonymous donors in memory of Henry B. Pflager
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 95:1973
NOTES
Moonlight permeates moist sea air, infusing this port scene with a quiet solitude and sense of mystery. Fishermen tend to practical tasks, while, in the background, a lighthouse rises from the sea to guide the large merchant ships safely around the rocky coastline.
Robert Salmon had a studio overlooking Boston harbor during its peak as a trade center. Born in a port city in northwest England, Salmon became Boston’s leading maritime painter while living in the city from 1828 to 1842. Nearly all of his recorded patrons had connections to Boston’s shipping industry. Some were makers of boats or sails, while others were wealthy merchants, engaged in trading commodities that moved through the port from all parts of the globe.
Robert Salmon had a studio overlooking Boston harbor during its peak as a trade center. Born in a port city in northwest England, Salmon became Boston’s leading maritime painter while living in the city from 1828 to 1842. Nearly all of his recorded patrons had connections to Boston’s shipping industry. Some were makers of boats or sails, while others were wealthy merchants, engaged in trading commodities that moved through the port from all parts of the globe.
Provenance
by 1967 -
John Wilmerding, Hanover, NH
1973 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Vose Galleries, Boston, MA [2]
Notes:
[1] John Wilmerding listed as lender in exhibition catalog ["Robert Salmon: The First Major Exhibition." Lincoln, MA: DeCordova Museum, 1967]
[2] Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, October 31, 1973
John Wilmerding, Hanover, NH
1973 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Vose Galleries, Boston, MA [2]
Notes:
[1] John Wilmerding listed as lender in exhibition catalog ["Robert Salmon: The First Major Exhibition." Lincoln, MA: DeCordova Museum, 1967]
[2] Minutes of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, October 31, 1973
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.