Entretat Possibly 1858

Clarkson Stanfield created this drawing, entitled 'Entretat' in July 1855, using graphite and gray wash on paper. The effect is of a quick but skilled impression, capturing several boats in a harbor. It is fascinating to consider the kind of labor that it represents. Stanfield was a celebrated painter known for his marine scenes, yet the drawing has a functional character. One can imagine him making studies like these in preparation for his larger canvases. His skill with the pencil and wash allowed him to rapidly render the effects of light on the boats and water. But beyond the artist’s practice, it is also worth considering the labor of the shipbuilders and sailors. They were involved in the hard, physical work of creating and operating these vessels, which connected communities and drove international trade. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to reflect on the many forms of making that converged in 19th-century maritime life.