Smothered 1928

Arthur Briscoe created "Smothered" using watercolor and gouache to conjure a vivid depiction of maritime struggle. Born in 1873, Briscoe was deeply connected to the sea, and his art reflects the gritty realities of maritime life in England, a nation that built an empire through naval power and trade. Here, we witness a ship battling a ferocious storm; the overwhelming waves seem to swallow everything in their path. Briscoe masterfully captures the emotional weight of such a perilous journey. The term “smothered” evokes feelings of suffocation and helplessness, reflecting the sailors' vulnerability against nature’s raw power. This was a time when sailors faced immense risks, with little recognition for their labor and sacrifice. The painting thus invites us to consider the human stories embedded in Britain's maritime history. It reminds us of the courage and resilience of those who navigated treacherous waters, and also prompts us to reflect on the social structures that often left them marginalized and unseen.