North Quay, Douglas Harbour
Date made: late 19th century
Artist: Crouse, Max
Description: The North Quay, Douglas Harbour has always been a popular view for local and visiting artists. The array of shipping tied up at the quayside, the hustle and bustle of the market, together with the variety of buildings along the quay meant there was always something to inspire and catch the artist’s eye. A popular scene, the subject matter proved commercially lucrative for artists.
Crouse has taken his view from the Royal Hotel and Steam Packet Offices at the mouth of the harbour looking up North Quay towards Douglas market. The end of Bond Lane can be seen on the right along with some of the market stalls spilling out of the Market Place. A small fishing boat, a Manx ‘Nobby’, and a larger timber brig are tied at the quayside. Look closely and you can see that the timber brig is registered out of Arundel. The entire picture is painted with a fine and delicate technique making it possible to appreciate the detail of the painting best at close quarters.
Comparisons:
In comparison to A.J. Collister’s watercolour of a similar scene on the North Quay, 'North Quay, Douglas Harbour' paints a more vibrant scene as a man loads timber whilst a horse and cart – the horse stretching its leg – waits at the quayside. Even the weather is animated, black storm clouds throwing dark shadows on the buildings, whilst the market stalls sit bathed in sunshine.
Measurements: artwork: 49 cm x 37 cm
Materials: Oil on canvas
Object name: painting
Collection: Art Collection
ID number: 1955-0357
Subject tags : Isle of Man