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EDWARD MORAN
(1829-1901)
"Sailboats in Moonlight"
OIL ON LINEN Ca 1850
Oil
on canvas 19th Century Signed Moran LL
Viewing
area 17 1/2" L x 11 1/2" Framed 25" x 19"
Presented
is a classic nocturnal painting of a vessel sailing in moonlight off a peninsula with a lighthouse and four other sailing
ships in the background. The vessel in the foreground may be a large yacht or a gaff headed sloop rigged smack (a fishing
vessel) sailing on the port reach.
In our opinion, this painting is indicative
of Edward Moran's early work when he began experimenting with “luminism“. This is due to many characteristics
which are personal only to him. It reflects his preference for marine scenes, and also his interest in the properties of light
and atmosphere at varying times of day and night. Edward, like his younger brother Thomas, was interested in the relationships
between color and light.
While the focus of this painting is the sailing vessel
in the foreground, it is the brilliant contrast between light and dark, and the hazy rendition of the sailing vessels in the
background horizon which are seen in many of his works and are a signature of his. These background vessels establish this
paintings provenance.
Edward strived to capture the variations
between light and air as is further illustrated on the horizon where the land mass is absorbed gently into the sky as are
the ships to its left. The soft, muted colors of the moonlit sky feel almost real in this scene and the reflection of light
cast upon the gentle sea reflects Edward's admiration of the atmosphere. On the lower left, it is signed Moran with the recognizable
stylish tail of the right leg of the "M", that was particularly his own.
COMPARABLE PAINTING AT CHRISTIES: An excellent example, of his use of filtered light, hazy brush
work, and the portrayal of mood over subject which became a characteristic trait of Moran's throughout the 1880s is found
in this painting by Christies in September 2006 with an estimate of $30,000.00 to $50,000.00. It is signed and dated 1885.
Note the similarities in the composition, the dark mood of the scene, the lighting and the type of vessel depicted. Since
the painting being sold here was done around 1850, 35 years earlier, when Moran was just starting his career, the more refined
technique of the later work is to be expected.
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| Artist |
Edward Moran (1829 - 1901) United States of
America |
| Title |
Moonlight On The Water |
| Medium |
Oil on canvas |
| Size (H x
W x D) |
18 x 30 in / 45.7 x 76.2 cm |
| Signed |
Yes |
| Stamped |
No |
| Inscribed |
No |
| Dating |
1885 |
| Lot number |
36 |
| Auction time |
12 September 2006 |
| Auction house |
Christies – The United States: New York, Rockefeller Center |
| Estimated
price |
30,000 - 50,000 USD | |
CONDITION
OF PAINTING AND FRAME: The carved wood gilted frame is original and dates to the 1860-1880's. It is a heavy and made
from wood that was gilded and later over sprayed in gold. The condition of the painting is excellent, but it has been mounted
on Masonite to repair a small tear that can only be seen under black light to the left of the mainsail leech of the boat in
the foreground. Masonite was introduced to the market in 1924, but this piece is stenciled on the back, "Product of Masonite
Research" which indicates it was still in the trial stage, and before being introduced to the public.
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PROVENANCE:
Sailboats in Moonlight was purchased at auction a number of years ago, put in our warehouse and forgotten until moved
to our gallery last year where it can be enjoyed. The selling New England auction house gave us no information other than
it came from the South. Since it lacks specific provenance we are taking this into account by offering
this fine painting at a very low figure for an artist whose works regularly sell at auction from $35,000.00 to more than $90,000.00.
THE MORAN FAMILY OF ARTISTS: The Moran family, was one of the most prolific
families of artists in American history, and was second only to the Peales in their prominence while they were active and
in later years when their work gained even greater appreciation. Edward Moran, was the oldest brother who came to prominence
in the 1850's. He preferred painting seascapes, and was considered the finest marine artist of his time. Edward's son, known
as Percy (1862-1935) and his second son, Leon, (1864-1941) were also painters of lesser importance. The leading Moran was
Thomas (1837-1926) who specialized in western landscapes gained great fame and his works regularly fetch six figures. His
wife Mary Nemmo (1842-1899) became known for her etchings in her own right. Other brother's of Edward and Thomas were Peter,
an animal painter, and John, a photographer, of much less importance.
SAMPLE SIGNATURES OF EDWARD MORAN - artist/painter:
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Detailed
Biography of Edward Moran, click here Edward Moran Biography
FLAT RATE
SHIPPING, PACKING & INSURANCE to the lower 48 States is $300.00
OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If
not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without
damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required.
Shipping charges are included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.
International buyers welcome. We
have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China,
Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand,
Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland,
Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern
Caribbean.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT
are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared.
No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.
Copyright 2011 by
Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved |
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