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The Roaring Forties by Frederick Judd Waugh

Frederick Judd Waugh · 1908-01-01

Frederick Judd Waugh, a prolific marine artist, captured the formidable power of the Southern Hemisphere's 'Roaring Forties' in his 1908 oil painting, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

This painting vividly depicts the treacherous waters between 40 and 50 degrees latitude, a region notorious among mariners for its severe westerly winds and powerful storms. Look closely at the crashing waves and frothing whitecaps; Waugh's thick brushstrokes make the turbulent ocean feel visceral and immediate.

Waugh was deeply engaged with marine subjects throughout his career, even designing ship camouflage for the U.S. Navy during World War I. This piece showcases his mastery in conveying the dynamic and often perilous character of the open sea, freezing a moment of raw natural power.

What details in the painting make you feel the ocean's immense force?

Details

Mariners knew this part of the Southern Hemisphere for its fierce storms.
Mariners knew this part of the Southern Hemisphere for its fierce storms.
The painter was Frederick Judd Waugh, known for marine art.
The painter was Frederick Judd Waugh, known for marine art.
He designed ship camouflage for the US Navy in World War I.
He designed ship camouflage for the US Navy in World War I.
Look at the texture, the raw power in these crashing waves.
Look at the texture, the raw power in these crashing waves.
This painting captured the ocean's fury in 1908.
This painting captured the ocean's fury in 1908.
Transcript

This is the 'Roaring Forties', between 40 and 50 degrees latitude. Mariners knew this part of the Southern Hemisphere for its fierce storms. The painter was Frederick Judd Waugh, known for marine art. He designed ship camouflage for the US Navy in World War I. Look at the texture, the raw power in these crashing waves. This painting captured the ocean's fury in 1908.