Watching the Porpoises
1863
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1863
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
You see three boys on a rocky shore, backs to us, watching porpoises in the water. The sea is choppy, painted in quick brushstrokes that catch the light. The boys’ clothes look worn, but their focus feels sharp, like a moment snapped in time. In 1863, spotting porpoises wasn’t easy. They were common then, but watching them was a treat—especially for kids in a fishing town. The painting keeps the scene quiet, almost like a snapshot. Next, check out Fripp, Alfred.
