Yarmouth Harbour - Evening 1817

John Crome painted Yarmouth Harbour - Evening with oil on canvas some time in the early 19th century. The scene depicts the bustling port of Yarmouth in Norfolk, England. Crome, as a founding member of the Norwich School of painters, was dedicated to depicting the local landscape and everyday life of East Anglia. This painting captures the energy of a working port, with its various boats, docks, and the implication of labor. It’s interesting to note how Crome’s artistic project of regionalism was occurring during a time of great social and economic change in Britain, namely the industrial revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. The muted tones and focus on the natural light reflecting off the water create a sense of atmosphere and place. One might explore the Norwich Society of Artists and contemporary publications to understand better the aesthetic values of the time. Through this, we can better understand the social and institutional context that shaped Crome's artistic vision.