Still waters, Falmouth harbour

Details

Henry Scott Tuke, R.A., R.W.S. (1858-1929)
Still waters, Falmouth harbour
signed and dated 'H S Tuke 1890' (lower left)
oil on panel
5 ¼ x 8 ½ in. (13.3 x 21.6 cm.)

Exhibited

London, David Messum Fine Art, British Impressions, Spring 2001, no. 164.

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Lot Essay

This panel was probably painted from Tuke's floating Studio the Julie of Nantes an old French brigantine which he moored off the Greenbank in Falmouth harbour. This is a view looking back at the quays of Falmouth, with the town behind. It is an example of Tuke's plein air, impressionist style, probably completed in one session on the day. He has captured the moment when two boats are about to either set sail or drop anchor. It is done using a very thin layer of paint and he uses the yellow hue of the panel itself to play a part in creating the reflections of the sails in the water. He has used a square brush to create much of the work. According to Tuke's register of paintings he did a series of oil sketches from the Julie in the summer of 1890.

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