Dimensions: support: 457 x 610 mm frame: 592 x 752 x 43 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: Here we have "Swanage Bay" by Charles Conder. The tranquil blues create such a peaceful scene. What do you see in this piece, looking at its formal qualities? Curator: The composition is intriguing. Observe how Conder uses the pier as a strong horizontal element, juxtaposed with the verticality of the figures and masts. Note the subtle gradations in tone – the way the lighter blues of the sky meet the darker blues of the water. Editor: The brushstrokes seem quite loose. Is that intentional? Curator: Indeed. This painterly quality, with its visible brushwork, contributes to a sense of immediacy and atmosphere. Consider how the texture of the paint itself becomes a significant part of the work's meaning. Editor: So, the materiality adds to the feeling of being there. Fascinating! Curator: Precisely. By examining these formal elements, we unlock a deeper understanding of Conder's artistic intentions.
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Although born in London, Conder grew up and first went to art school in Australia. He moved to Paris in 1890. While living there in the 1890s he often stayed in Normandy, where he painted scenes of bathers and of the cliffs on the coast. He used clear colours, reminiscent of Boudin. He continued to paint the coast in Britain, but there was no market for these paintings, many of which were not exhibited until after his early death. Gallery label, September 2004
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