ALFRED THOMPSON BRICHER (American, 1837-1908). Coastline with Distant Ships. Watercolor on paper. 14 x 20-1/4 inches (35...

Description

ALFRED THOMPSON BRICHER (American, 1837-1908)
Coastline with Distant Ships
Watercolor on paper
14 x 20-1/4 inches (35.6 x 51.4 cm)
Signed lower left: A. Bricher


PROVENANCE:
Private collection, New York.

Among the finest American marine painters who flourished during the last quarter of the 19th century, Alfred Thompson Bricher occupies a special place owing to his focus on the quietest aspect of the sea, low tide. Rather like his near-contemporary, Martin Johnson Heade, who was the first artist to explore in paint the landscape of New England salt marshes (previously considered topographically unremarkable), Bricher explored the sea at low tide without the pictorial drama of a wind-swept sky, churning surf, or vertical elements of interest. Rather, as in the present work, Coastline with Distant Ships, the New Hampshire-born Bricher took as his actual subject the crisp, clear light which illuminates the three zones of the paintings (earth, water and sky). The effect is quite modern in its minimalism: three bands of color, very near in tonality, are rendered with his feathery and tender brushwork.

Although during his lifetime Bricher's sea paintings in oil and watercolor brought him critical and financial success, enabling him to own homes in Staten Island and Southampton, New York, his work slipped from popularity following his death. Art historical scholarship from the 1970s and 80s reestablished Bricher's importance as a Luminist painter and watercolorist. The 1973 retrospective exhibition of his paintings mounted by the Indianapolis Museum of Art revived interest in his artistic achievement, and his work was subsequently included in two landmark exhibitions of American landscape painting, the National Gallery of Art's 1980 "American Light" and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 1987 "American Paradise."




*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.