Fishing Boats on the Beach

John Sell Cotman 16/05/1782 - 24/07/1842

Summary

Three white sails are in the background on the far left of the painitng. A man stands in the foreground on sandy ground with his back to the viewer. He wears blue trousers and a white shirt and is looking towards two sailing boats to his right and in the middle of the composition. Both are wooden craft and have white sails which are raised. The closest boat has its anchor pulled out in front to the left of the painting; whilst its rudder is visible at the rear of the craft. Equipment is laid out by the side of the boat. The sky is blue with hazy white cloud and a black and white sea bird is flying in the sky above right to the figure.