Studying Art

   Danby, Francis. Shipwreck, 1850   Born in Ireland in 1793,  Francis Danby became a well regarded British artist in both his lifetime as well as the era of Romanticism. Deep into the latter half of Francis Danby's career and life, he created this piece. Simply titled,  Shipwreck . Portraying sailors last glimpses of the fading sunset, as well as the slowly dissipating luster of their craft. Swallowed by the restless sea. Currently, Shipwreck  resides on view in the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, Connecticut along side other Francis Danby pieces. Color : Vibrant oranges bathe the canvas, not in warmth or comfort, but in an ominous glow. Danby's use of color here, in my opinion, is deeply intertwined with the emotional heart of this painting. The fading sunset glowing behind the dying ship mirrors the fading hope of the sailors, soon to be left in darkness. Texture :  Textured clouds in a once far angrier sky lends great depth. An impending calm to the dramatic seas