The artwork, titled “Passing Ships,” was created by William Bradford in 1850. It belongs to the Romanticism art movement and represents the marina genre, illustrating maritime and nautical themes.
In the artwork, two sailing vessels navigate turbulent waters under a subdued sky. The ship on the left, a smaller vessel with taut, angular sails, is depicted amidst the frothy waves, its crew visible on deck. In contrast, the larger ship to the right has multiple sails unfurled, showcasing intricate rigging and billowing canvas. Both ships appear in a dynamic state, emphasizing movement and the vastness of the sea. The background features a horizon shrouded in mist, enhancing the sense of depth and atmospheric perspective, characteristic of the Romanticism movement’s focus on the sublime and the power of nature.
