This fine late-19th-century oil painting by British artist William Broome (1839-1894) depicts a French fishing boat buffeted by waves off the coast at Dover, Kent. Broome was an accomplished maritime painter who worked predominantly in the south east of England.
Thrust by the irrepressible force of the English Channel, the vessel’s bow rises and crashes through the spray. It’s a dramatic scene of seafaring theatre set under a rapidly evolving melancholy sky. Beyond, the iconic white cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop with the medieval form of Dover Castle visible at the summit.
Born in London, Broome turned to art later in life as his early years were spent working as a clerk. It’s conceivable that he was destined to follow in the footsteps of his father, an accountant. But, perhaps following his marriage in 1863, he decided to pursue art as a full-time endeavour, hitting the ground running with a high degree of finesse.
From his home in, first Somers Town and then Holborn, access to the Kent harbours was relatively straightforward thanks to the flourishing Victorian railway. He was particularly taken by turbulent views off Ramsgate coast, returning so frequently that he was dubbed “William Broome of Ramsgate”. It’s evident that he spent countless hours sketching at sea and would’ve been known to the local fishing community.
Stylistically, his works appear to be influenced by the Dutch masters of the 17th century, such as Willem van de Velde (1633-1707), particularly his use of partial clouds to enhance chiaroscuro. He painted with precision and careful attention to rigging.
Over the next twenty years, Broome forged a solid career as a marine artist of note, becoming popular with various London printsellers. The South Kensington Fine Art Association published several of his works as oleographs during the 1880s.
Today, as we consider his oeuvre and his broader contribution to this great British tradition, it’s fair to say that he’s surprisingly underrated. He was an artist who preferred to labour for dealers rather than exhibit at the leading venues, which probably explains his lack of notoriety. But without question, he was fascinated by sailing - both its heritage and its dangers.
He’s represented at the Ramsgate Maritime Museum.
Monogrammed/dated in the lower left and held within a splendid 19th-century gilt frame, which is probably original.
Learn more about William Broome in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 53½” x 35½” / 136cm x 90cm
Year of creation: 1879
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Cleaned. Canvas relined. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Frame with various marks and showing its age.
Our reference: BRV2067
