The artwork “Old Folkestone,” created by James Webb in 1866, belongs to the Romanticism art movement and is a genre painting.
In this evocative piece, the artist captures a serene coastal scene, likely depicting the town of Folkestone. The composition is dominated by a large ship docked on the shore, its billowing sails catching the light, while groups of people, including women and children, are engaged in various activities along the water’s edge. The background showcases the town’s architecture and prominent buildings perched on the cliffs, bathed in the warm, diffused light of a setting or rising sun. The sky is expansive, with delicate clouds reflecting the pastel hues of dawn or dusk, adding to the romantic ambiance of the scene. The detailed portrayal of everyday life by the sea, combined with the dramatic natural landscape, underscores the Romantic fascination with nature and human endeavors.
