Lifting the Fish Pound, Orient Bay, Long Island, New York

Regarded as one of America’s most prominent 19th century marine painters, Edward Moran’s artistic career began in Pennsylvania under the tutelage of James Hamilton and Paul Weber. Working in the same Philadelphia studio as his brother and fellow artist, Thomas Moran, the two achieved immediate recognition for their distinctive styles. In 1862, Moran traveled to England and continued his studies at the Royal Academy before returning to America and, in 1872, settling in New York City. In the present work, painted in 1876, the artist captures the active pound fisheries off Long Island, New York. The fishery in the area peaked in prosperity during this period, with total catch estimated around 1.5 million pounds in 1880. With an emphasis on dramatic light, Moran skillfully conveys the busy industry of the fishermen while also creating a picturesque recording of the waters off New York.