Oil on canvas                                                                             19th Century

Viewing area 17 1/2" L x 11 1/2"                                            Framed 25" x 19""

Signed Moran                                                                            LL                                      

 

 

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.

We feel 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 on the horizon which are seen in many of his works. This is a stylistic signature much to his own recognizance. 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

This work compares in many respects to Sailboats at Sunset in the Worth B. Stottlemyer Collection at Juniata College Museum of Art and typifies in many ways his style and ability which are found in numerous paintings that he did along the eastern shores of the United States. Specifically the moonlight, misty dark blue sky, is contrasted to the  many low level dark clouds with streams of brightness highlighting the water. A truly mood setting work in which Edward captures the essence of night sailing.  

 

An even better example, of his use of filtered light, hazy brushwork, and the portrayal of mood over subject which became a characteristic trait of Moran's throughout the 1870s is The Madeleine's victory over the Countess of Dufferin, third America's Cup challenger, August 11, 1876. This painting, signed in the lower left with a similar signature, not shown here, was sold by Christie's in December, 2008, Lot 2067 for $156,000.00. We also have the ship's clock from the Schooner Madeleine which was handed down in the family until purchased by us in August, 2009. Click here http://landandseacollection.com/id613.html

 

CONDITION 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.

 

PROVENANCE: Sailboats in Moonlight was purchased at auction in August, 2007, and put in our warehouse unnoticed until just recently. In the auction catalog it was listed as signed, Moran without further attribution. It was reported that the work came to them from a "picker" in the south east, and that little work on it. It is a practice of auction houses not to disclose the consignor unless and entire collection or estate is being offered. Careful research has shown that no other Moran was active at the time this work was painted who did marine scenes and delved into Luminism. Taking all this into account we are 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: 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:

THIS PAINTING:

Detailed Biography of Edward Moran, click here  Edward Moran Biography OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our error. International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  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, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. SHIPPING, PACKING & INSURANCE to the lower 48 States is at no charge: 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 big ticket items. Copyright 2009 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved