Luminous morning coloration radiates the cloud-covered skies in this fine painting by Mauritz De Haas, warming the day's beginning for numerous mariners who started with the dawn. Every manner of ship propulsion is visible, from the stalwart sidewheeler steaming through a multitude of sailing ships to the rowed craft of the fishermen in the foreground water. Viewed from an elevated shore position, the amount of nautical traffic and the direction of the rising sun suggests a south facing shore along Cape Cod, perhaps Hyannis, or the outer shores of Long Island near Southampton.
The sky glows with a range of warm oranges, pinks and yellows, with the clouds blushing from the soft morning light to their dark edges where they are thickly layered. Sky breaks show the brilliant turquoise blue of the brightening day, and the sails of large cutter and schooner glow forth in the sun's light. In contrast, the ocean is a thick deep green, with brown depths and flashes of red next the white streaks in interesting blends.
ice additional touches include the anchor incorporated into the artist's signature between his name and the date, and the wonderful original American frame with its restored gilt full of floral carving and engraved motifs. This outstanding composition needs only the luminosity created by the color and light of the artist's vision and brushes to enrich any surroundings. The ability to depict these light qualities is what De Haas is best known for.
