Blue Sea, Iona 1927

Samuel Peploe painted "Blue Sea, Iona" with oil on canvas, showing a scene of the Scottish island. The work reflects the avant-garde movements that emerged in the early 20th century and the changing role of art within society. Peploe was one of the Scottish Colourists, and the name suggests the influence of French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Artists like Peploe were looking to France for inspiration and wanted to create art that broke away from the strict academic traditions. The art world was becoming more international, and artists were aware of new ways of seeing and representing the world. Note the free brushstrokes and emphasis on capturing the play of light and color of the sea and landscape. Art history helps us to understand how art is shaped by cultural exchange and to recognize the impact of social and artistic movements. A deeper look into his letters and the art criticism of the time helps us understand Peploe's position within this changing artistic landscape.