Original Miniature Painting by William Wilson Cowell
Item Details
An original miniature oil on canvas painting that retains a label to the verso from the well-documented Haseltine Gallery in Philadelphia. The painting is attributable to the younger William Wilson Cowell (1856-after 1910). The artist has painted a miniature maritime nocturne. The scale of the work has perhaps confined the artist somewhat herein with regards to accurate conveyance. The degree of implicative representation is more than impressive. The viewer is entreated to moonglow upon the ocean. In the background the masts of mighty schooners rise with shadowy suggestive brilliance. In the foreground two smaller canoes would appear to be coming or going from a pair of small sailboats. The entire scene is imbued with the silver light of the moon, the figures, boats, and ocean movements viewed through a lens of sleepiness and the lullaby rocking of the ocean’s sway. The frame in which this exquisite work of art is presented is of equal quality. Beginning from the outer edge is a large and deep wooden shadow box with inner beveled edges lined in red velvet. The top edge of the shadowbox is adorned with gilded elements of low relief. Inside of the elaborate shadow box is an extremely fine wooden frame with molded plaster spattered in beautifully patinaed gilt. Every part of the inner frame is adorned with tasteful patterning in low relief.
Condition
- exhibits wear consistent with age but is in good condition considering.
Dimensions
Image: 7"w x 3.5"h
Item #
14CIN382-314
