“Foggy Morning on the Thames,” painted by James Hamilton in 1875, is a notable piece belonging to the Romanticism movement and falls under the marina genre.
The artwork prominently features a serene yet evocative scene on the Thames River shrouded in dense fog. The subdued palette of greys and muted tones captures the ethereal atmosphere of a foggy morning, with the faint outlines of ships barely discernible through the mist. A steamship, exuding billows of smoke, contrasts with the more traditional sailing vessels in the background, symbolizing the juxtaposition of progress and tradition. The dim and diffused light from the rising sun creates a soft, almost dreamlike glow over the tranquil waters, reflecting Hamilton’s masterful use of light and shadow to evoke mood and emotion. The scene’s hazy horizon and calm river surface embody the tranquil and contemplative essence characteristic of Romanticism, inviting viewers into a moment of serene introspection.
