Noman's Land

Ila Weiss writes, "Gifford spent October 1877 on the almost deserted island of Noman's Land, near Martha's Vineyard, sketching, bass-fishing, and probably enjoying the company of Mary Cecilia Canfield to whom he was then secretly married. He did several fresh, outdoor oil sketches, of which this is an example, exploring the colors and textures of the rugged coastal scenery. . . A single, tiny boat near the left edge, and a patch of green and white of breaking waves confirm the depth of the field of sky and water. Several deft strokes of grays and browns establish the shattered rocks of the promontory against the smoothly textured distance. With similar economy the lone pine is registered twisting in space yet asserting its complex, visually arresting silhouette against the glowing, overcast sky. The artist's immediate experience of a unique place is thus masterfully captured."

A letter from Dr. Ila Weiss discussing the painting accompanies the lot.