Object of the Day: An Antique Watercolor of the English Seaside

Though it’s unsigned and undated, this little watercolor is clearly English in origin and judging by the frame and backboard dates to the late Nineteenth Century. Rendered in soft, muted colors, it’s a darling representation of England’s rocky coast. The subtle palette is not artistic license as much as it’s an accurate view of the delicate colors of England’s cost.


I love the little details such as the pilings and the little cottage. I can picture Rose Buck and Daisy going out to change into their bathing costumes in the little bathing machines which dot the coast.

We live in a world of standard picture sizes and standard frames. One of the things I most enjoy about original antique paintings is the variety of sizes and shapes. This long, narrow picture was meant to be grouped with other canvases and pages and gives the impression that it’s just one beautiful piece of a greater image.