The Coast of Labrador

1866

MEDIUMOil on canvas
DIMENSIONS72 × 113.3 cm (28 3/8 × 44 5/8 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago
COLLECTIONArts of the Americas
CULTUREUnited States
CREDIT LINEAda Turnbull Hertle Fund

This 1866 oil painting by William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, transports you to the remote and dramatic coast of Labrador, capturing its rugged beauty and vast, untamed spirit.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, created "The Coast of Labrador" in 1866, an oil on canvas piece that captures the rugged beauty of this North American region. While the artist's full biography is not available, the work itself speaks to a tradition of landscape painting that sought to document and interpret the natural world. Many artists of the 19th century, like Herbert, were drawn to remote and dramatic locales, finding inspiration in their untamed grandeur. This particular painting, measuring 72 by 113.3 cm, suggests a significant commitment to capturing the expansive vistas and particular atmosphere of Labrador. The choice of oil on canvas allowed for rich textures and nuanced color, essential for conveying the unique light and geological features of a coastal scene. Without further biographical details, it is difficult to place this work precisely within a broader artistic career, but it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of landscape as a subject for artistic exploration during this period.

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What to Notice

1

The dramatic, jagged coastline

2

The interplay of light and shadow on the rocks

3

The vast, open sky

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This 1866 oil painting by William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, transports you to the remote and dramatic coast of Labrador, capturing its rugged beauty and v…

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