Artwork
Cantley: Wherries Waiting for the Turn of the Tide
Cantley: Wherries Waiting for the Turn of the Tide is a photography by the Impressionist artist Peter Henry Emerson. It dates from 1886 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1986.190
- Credit line
- John L. Severance Fund
About this work
Overview
Peter Henry Emerson's 1886 photograph, Cantley: Wherries Waiting for the Turn of the Tide, captures a serene river scene. Two narrow wherries are moored near a small house, surrounded by slender trees and reflected perfectly in the still water. The composition conveys a sense of calm, as if time has slowed.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a tranquil riverside moment, emphasizing patience and anticipation. The waiting wherries imply a reliance on natural cycles, suggesting a harmony between human activity and the environment.
Technique & Style
Emerson employs a mirror-like water reflection to create depth and symmetry. The soft, cloudy sky complements the serene atmosphere, characteristic of Emerson's aesthetic in capturing everyday, natural scenes.
History & Provenance
Created in 1886, the photograph is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Peter Henry Emerson was a British writer and photographer. His photographs are early examples of promoting straight photography as an art form. He is known for taking photographs that displayed rural settings and for…
