Untitled
1900
watercolor
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
1900
watercolor
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
Untitled is a 1900 watercolor by John Byam Shaw, held at Museum of Modern Art.
This painting shows a dark, stormy scene with a ship sinking in rough waves. The water is swirling in deep reds and blues, and the sky above is murky with thick brushstrokes. In the distance, the ship’s lights glow faintly, but it’s already half-submerged, with debris floating nearby. The artist used loose, expressive strokes to create movement in the water—almost like the waves are alive. The colors feel dramatic, with the dark tones making the ship’s lights stand out even more. If you like this style, check out watercolor, glazing for how artists build depth with layers of paint.