The open sea

This important study of the sea provided the prototype for two large seascapes Brett painted in succeeding years – the so-called Longitude picture, or Rainbow at Sea (1867, unlocated), and Christmas Morning (1868, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum). Both were commissioned by Brett’s great patron Alfred Morrison (1821–1897), who also acquired the current work. In a letter to Morrison 17 August 1866, the artist wrote 'I am so pleased to hear that you have taken to yourself the little sea drawing. Although the word popularity is ‘not in my book’ I must confess that to know that my work is sincerely liked is an intense pleasure to me'.
We are grateful to Charles Brett for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.