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A frigate clawing off a rocky coast, 1858 (oil painting)
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A frigate clawing off a rocky coast, 1858 (oil painting)
7337774 A frigate clawing off a rocky coast, 1858 (oil painting) by Melbye, Vilhelm (1824-82); 104.2x155 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Vilhelm Melbye
A dramatic painting showing a frigate off a rocky coast, in the act of clawing'. This occurred when a sailing ship tried to avoid being driven on to a lee shore in rough seas because of a combination of a rough sea and a strong onshore wind. The Scandinavian vessel is shown struggling perilously close to a rocky shore, probably off the coast of Norway. She is being watched by a small fishing vessel on the left of the picture. A lighthouse is visible on the headland with mountains rising up beyond.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38287960
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Coast Line Danger Dangerous Risk Row Boat Rowboat Rowing Boat Sail Boat Sail Boats Sailboats Sailing Ship Seawater Storm Stormy Tempest Threat Unsafe
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This oil painting by Vilhelm Melbye captures the intense drama of a frigate clawing off a rocky coast in 1858. The Scandinavian vessel is depicted perilously close to the shore, battling against rough seas and strong onshore winds in an effort to avoid being driven onto the lee shore. The scene is set off the coast of Norway, with mountains rising up beyond and a small fishing vessel watching from afar.
The artist's attention to detail is evident in every brushstroke, from the churning waves crashing against the rocks to the billowing sails straining against the wind. The lighthouse on the headland serves as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of nature's fury.
Melbye expertly conveys a sense of danger and risk in this maritime masterpiece, highlighting the precariousness of life at sea during this era. The stormy weather adds an element of tension to the scene, emphasizing both the power and vulnerability of man-made vessels in such conditions.
This painting serves as a reminder of both humanity's resilience in facing natural forces and our humble place within them. It is a testament to Melbye's skill as an artist and his ability to capture moments of high emotion and intensity on canvas for generations to come.
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