Off the Maine Coast

Description

Off the Maine Coast

Samuel Colman, 1870

This stunning scene portrays a romanticized coast. In fact, the image may have been partially derived from Colman’s imagination. He was less interested in recording a specific locale. Instead, he wanted to offer viewers a respite from the troubles of daily life. As seen here, the couple’s embrace and clothing help add nostalgia to the piece. The New World combination of Dutch and English clothing dates to the late 1700s or early 1800s.

Although spotlighted by sunlight, the couple remains subordinate to the void beyond the hilltops. Meanwhile, the scenic vista offers a spiritual uplift to the figures. This feeling was likely meant to extend to the painting’s owner, who was probably a wealthy merchant. Perhaps this merchant sought a similar spiritual escape into nature. (“150 Years of American Painting” Exhibition, 8/15/94 – 7/15/05)

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What’s Going On?

Man and woman standing left of the center, looking off the coast onto a bay and the ocean on the horizon. One sailboat is in the bay. A hill with foliage, grass, and rocks on the right. On the left is a hill with large trees and a path. There is a small stream in the center foreground and a crescent moon in the sky.