Near Land's End, Cornwall 1879

William Trost Richards created this oil on canvas painting, "Near Land's End, Cornwall" during his time in Europe. The image presents a seemingly objective depiction of the sea and sky, yet its meaning lies in the cultural associations of the time. Richards, an American artist, chose to paint the coast of Cornwall, a region in England that held particular significance in the 19th century. Cornwall, with its rugged coastline and dramatic weather, was seen as a site of natural beauty, attracting artists and tourists alike. At the same time, it was a region marked by economic hardship and social inequality, and images of the coast could also evoke feelings of melancholy and loss. The sublime power of nature and the drama of light are typical romantic tropes. We can look at the journals and correspondence of artists and writers of the time to understand the complex meanings embedded in seemingly simple seascapes.