Harbor Scene

1860

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Marine Harbor

Dominant colour

Harbor Scene is a 1860 by Mary Altha Nims, a Impressionism work, depicting Harbor, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Mary Altha Nims
When & what style?: 1860 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

The painting shows a busy harbor packed with tall ships and smaller boats. Flags flutter in the wind. Workers load cargo on the docks. A lighthouse stands tall in the distance. This scene was painted in the 1850s or ’60s—right as American ports grew fast. Mary Altha Nims was one of very few women artists working at the time. Her work shows the grit and energy of everyday port life. If you like this, check out Winslow Homer’s seascapes next.