Shipwreck in Storm

William Hart

1858

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Marine

About this work

This sketch shows a stormy sea with two sinking ships. Waves crash over the boats, and the cliffs behind them look jagged and rough. The artist used quick, dark lines to show the chaos of the water and wind. The loose, sketchy style makes the scene feel wild and urgent. The ships are small against the huge waves, which makes the danger feel bigger. Next, look up Romanticism to see how artists used drama and nature in their work.