Boats on the Hoogley [Hooghly] River
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
"Boats on the Hooghly River" is a captivating monochromatic watercolor painting by artist Samuel Davis, finely illustrating a serene moment on one of India’s most important rivers. This tranquil portrayal showcases various riverboats, each characterized by distinctively shaped hulls and sails, symptomatic of the typical vessels that navigated the waters near Kolkata during the 18th century.In the foreground, the painting features a figure poised attentively on a relatively small boat, a reminder of the intimate human scale against the broad expanse of the river. Behind, larger boats bear substantial, triangular sails that billow in the wind, suggesting a bustling vitality amid the calm. These vessels are intricately detailed, highlighting the artist’s keen observation and ability to capture the essence of riverine life.The background is softened by a subtle wash that denotes the distant shores, dotted with sparse architectural silhouettes. The sky above mirrors the river’s mood, with gentle, sweeping clouds that contribute to a sense of peaceful vastness.Davis’s piece is not only an artistic representation but also a valuable cultural capture of the Hooghly River’s historical significance as a conduit of commerce and culture.