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"The Beacon", by J. Absolon, in the Exhibition of the Institute of Painters in Water Colours, 1864. Creator: W Thomas
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"The Beacon", by J. Absolon, in the Exhibition of the Institute of Painters in Water Colours, 1864. Creator: W Thomas
"The Beacon", by J. Absolon, in the Exhibition of the Institute of Painters in Water Colours, 1864. Engraving of a painting. 'For what, or for whom, has this buxom, comely lass brought her torch, all alone, to this desolate spot; for whom, or for what, with dilated eyes that bicker so brightly in the torch flare, is she...gazing so vehemently into the gathering shades of a...storm-portending night?...this is evidently a humble domestic beacon-light, not a fire to alarm and rouse a nation. Moreover, the venue is plainly...eagerly longed for, not dreaded; and it is fixed on the French...shore, as we infer from the costume - the jacket, the short, striped petticoat, and blue though not literary stockings worn by our heroine. Is this Normandy matelotte, then, looking out for and trying to guide safely to the haven of home a fisherman father, husband, brother, or lover, who has been...overtaken by bad weather?...it is much more probable that the painter intended to represent the wife, sweetheart, or relative of a French smuggler, who, thus fearful and anxious, has come at night to some harbourless part of the coast with her torch, the lighting of which is the preconcerted signal for running on shore with a cargo of English cotton or calico prints'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38686283
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Beach Beacon Burning Dark Darkness Flame Flames Flaming Torch John Absolon Pictures Searching Signal Signalling Smuggler Smuggling Thomas W Torch W Thomas Looking For
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Here's a possible caption:
**The Beacon: A Study in Anxiety**
In this print, "The Beacon" (1864), J. Absolon masterfully captures the essence of uncertainty and longing. The scene depicts a lone woman, dressed in traditional French attire, standing at the edge of the coast as night falls. Her torch casts an eerie glow on her face, illuminating eyes that seem to be scanning the horizon with desperation.
But what is she searching for? Is it a loved one returning from sea, or perhaps signaling their safe arrival home? The artist's subtle hints suggest this may not be just any ordinary beacon light - but rather a preconcerted signal for smugglers bringing in contraband goods. Whatever her intentions, Absolon's brushstrokes evoke the sense of trepidation and hope that comes with waiting on uncertain shores.
This print is part of the esteemed Exhibition of the Institute of Painters in Water Colours (1864), showcasing some of the finest artistic talents of its time. **The Beacon** stands out as a poignant reminder to cherish those moments when we're suspended between anticipation and uncertainty, our hearts fixed on what lies ahead.
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