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Alaska Seal Fisheries

James Fagan

1898

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Alaska Seal Fisheries is a 1898 ink by James Fagan, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: James Fagan
When & what style?: 1898 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a quiet water scene with two people in a small boat near rocks. One person rows while the other sits with a dog. In the background, a big sailboat floats on calm water, and a snowy mountain range stretches across the horizon. Two seals rest on the rocks near the boat, looking relaxed. The artist used loose, sketchy lines to suggest movement in the water and clouds. The scene feels both peaceful and full of life, with small details like the dog’s fur and the boat’s reflection. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this create texture with acid and plates.