A fisherman

A fisherman

William Derby

1834

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a man sitting on a rock by the water. He’s wearing a striped shirt and dark pants, with a hat pulled low. One hand holds a pipe, and the other rests on his knee while he looks off to the side. Behind him, the sea is calm, and a boat with a red sail is half-hidden in the background. The brushstrokes are loose and quick, giving the scene a rough, sketchy feel. The colors are simple—blues, reds, and earthy tones—but they still feel lively. If you like this style, check out the artist Derby, William.

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