An excellent example of the American scene painting movement, this composition by Jonas Lie offers a characteristic and brilliantly rendered view of life among the islands of coastal Maine.
Here, fishermen stand at ease on and near their Muscongus Bay sloop, sails loose but still aloft to dry in the afternoon sun. These gaff-rigged craft were the traditional fishing boat used off the coast of Maine, typically for lobstering, until the gasoline motor came into use in the 20th century. Two of the men wear the yellow oilskin trousers of lobstermen, essential to protect their legs when hauling in heavy traps. In the channel beyond, two yachts head out to the open sea, sails full and hulls cutting swiftly through the waves.
Jonas Lie often depicted the sea, channels, and ships with dramatic perspective and powerful use of color. He became known for dynamic, impressionistic scenes like this one, painted during the many summers he spent on the coast of New England. This scene is particularly vibrant with deep blue to turquoise tones contrasting warm corals and reds, all to convey the richness of full sunlight on sea and land. The whites are particularly intriguing with myriad tones reflected in the sails, echoed in the distant clouds.
Lie clearly felt at home in the fishing towns of Maine, his practiced brush rendering idyllic views in bold brushstrokes. With a desirable subject, excellent color and mature technique this painting has all the hallmarks of his finest work of the period.
Housed in its original period gilt frame, recently regilded, with original gallery label verso with title.
