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William Thornley19th century English fishing boats off the French Coast near Boulogne-sur-Mercirca 1890
circa 1890
$3,500
£2,645.59
€3,034.61
CA$4,879.14
A$5,311.35
CHF 2,819.26
MX$63,906.93
NOK 35,723.92
SEK 32,733.21
DKK 22,662.26
About the Item
William Thornley (British, 1857–1935)
Boulogne-sur-Mer, circa 1890
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right
⸻
A fine late 19th-century coastal scene by William Thornley, depicting fishing vessels and small craft working the lively waters off Boulogne-sur-Mer, one of France’s most historically important Channel ports. Thornley captures the bustle of the returning fleet beneath a broad, shifting sky, the waves rendered with his characteristic blend of movement, depth and tonal subtlety.
The foreground boat is animated with figures hauling the day’s catch, while the larger sailing vessels beyond pick up the wind as they head towards the harbour. In the distance the old town rises steeply above the waterfront, crowned by the unmistakable dome of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne, a landmark that anchors the composition and situates the scene firmly in the region.
Thornley—celebrated for his atmospheric marine subjects—brings a refined sense of colour and light to this painting, blending naturalistic detail with expressive handling. The result is a richly evocative portrayal of the Channel coast during the late Victorian era, full of energy, craft and coastal 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: LU507317336432
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