“A Calm Afternoon” is an artwork completed in 1881 by artist James Webb, which is representative of the Romanticism movement. It belongs to the genre of marina, depicting scenes related to the sea.
The artwork portrays a serene maritime setting, replete with the gentle bustle of seafaring activity. The focus is on vessels afloat; a prominent sailboat with its sails unfurled stands central in the composition, possibly suggesting it is readying for departure or has just arrived. The large sail is adorned with what appears to be a symbol or letter, catching the eye amidst the soft palette of the scene.
Other boats of various sizes congregate in the background, while a couple of smaller rowboats occupy the foreground, one of which is filled with figures engaged in conversation or looking towards the larger sailboat. The water is rendered with subtle reflections and a sense of calm, and the atmosphere is hazy, possibly signaling a warm, languid afternoon. The sky, a canvas of soft clouds, contributes to the tranquil mood of the piece.
Birds, likely seagulls, speckle the sky, adding a touch of life and motion to the otherwise still tableau. The waterfront in the distance is busy with more ships, docks, and possibly warehouses, indicating the proximity of a port. There’s an impression of a gentle wind, as suggested by the sails and the flags atop the sailboats, yet the overall ambiance remains one of peacefulness, evoking the Romantic yearning for nature and the sublime.
