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The Sailor's Yarn, by William McTaggart, oil, 1882

The Sailor's Yarn

William McTaggart

1882

oil

canvas

From the collection of National Galleries Scotland

Dominant colour

Overview

The Sailor's Yarn is a 1882 oil by William McTaggart, a Impressionism work, held at National Galleries Scotland.

Who painted this?
William McTaggart
When & what style?
1882 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?
National Galleries Scotland

About this work

This painting depicts a group of people gathered around a man who is sitting on a cart, likely sharing a story. The scene is set against a backdrop of a body of water and hills in the distance. The colors used are muted, with shades of brown and grey dominating the palette. The brushstrokes are loose and expressive, giving the painting a sense of movement and energy. The focus is on the central figure, who appears to be engaged in conversation with the others. The overall mood is one of warmth and camaraderie. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. To learn more about this technique, explore the world of chiaroscuro.

About the artist

Portrait of William McTaggart
Artist

William McTaggart

William McTaggart (25 October 1835 – 2 April 1910) was a Scottish landscape and marine painter who was influenced by Impressionism.

See the richer artist page

More by William McTaggart

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