“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.”
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.
- Date
- 1866
- Medium
- Oil on canvas
- Location
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Dimensions
- 72 × 113.3 cm (28 3/8 × 44 5/8 in.)
- Collection
- Arts of the Americas
- Culture
- United States
- Credit line
- Ada Turnbull Hertle Fund
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The dramatic, jagged coastline
The interplay of light and shadow on the rocks
The vast, open sky
The textured brushwork in the water
1 more detail is waiting.
See all 5 in Art Whisper →Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through The Coast of Labrador — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.