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William Thornley
19th century English fishing boats off the English coast by Dover Castle, Kent

circa 1890

$3,500
£2,669.76
€3,041.66
CA$4,919.28
A$5,366.81
CHF 2,841.69
MX$64,309.62
NOK 36,190.52
SEK 33,093.54
DKK 22,711.63

About the Item

William Thornley (British, 1857–1935) Fishing Boats off the Coast near Dover, Kent, circa 1890 Oil on canvas Signed lower left ⸻ A classic late 19th-century English coastal scene by William Thornley, depicting fishing vessels and a larger sailing ship navigating choppy waters off the chalk headlands of Dover, Kent. Thornley—known for his atmospheric maritime views and masterful handling of shifting weather—captures the drama of sea and sky with great sensitivity. The composition is anchored by the tall-masted vessel at centre, its spars silhouetted against a sky mottled with passing cloud. Smaller fishing craft accompany it across the rolling green water, painted with Thornley’s characteristic blend of realism and tonal subtlety. In the distance, the pale cliffs loom beneath a soft haze, with the suggestion of Dover’s elevated fortifications crowning the headland. Thornley’s brushwork is confident and fluid, creating a sense of movement in both sea and air. The interplay of light across the waves and the restrained palette of blues, greens and greys lend the work a powerful maritime mood typical of the artist’s best coastal subjects. An evocative and atmospheric example of Thornley’s marine painting, presented in an ornate gilded frame that enhances its depth and period character.
  • Creator:
    William Thornley (1847 - 1907)
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1890
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 18 in (45.72 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    The painting has been recently cleaned and re-varnished bring out the original color and luster of the paint.
  • Gallery Location:
    Woodbury, CT
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU507317336382

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