Breaking Up of the "Agamemnon," No. 1

1870

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Marine

Dominant colour

Breaking Up of the "Agamemnon," No. 1 is a 1870 by Francis Seymour Haden, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Francis Seymour Haden
When & what style?: 1870 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a big wooden ship being cut apart at a dock. The water is choppy, and smaller boats float nearby. In the background, a city skyline with spires and buildings sits across the water. The artist focused on the messy, industrial side of shipbreaking—no glamour, just raw work. The lines are scratchy, almost like a quick sketch, but packed with detail. If you like this gritty, up-close style, check out Realism next.