The artwork named “St. Ives” was created by artist Christopher Wood in 1928 and belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It falls within the genre of sketch and study. This piece reflects Wood’s unique style characteristic of the Naïve Art movement, typified by its simplicity and directness.
The artwork depicts a lively scene at a harbor in St. Ives. In the foreground, a group of people, including adults and children, are animatedly situated on the quay. A small dog stands near them, adding charm to the scene. Boats are moored and sailing in the harbor, with figures seen managing the vessels, lending an industrious atmosphere to the setting. The sketch is rendered with loose, confident pencil strokes, capturing the essence of the moment rather than detailing it with precision. The linear style and spontaneous composition convey a sense of candid humility and everyday life, which are hallmarks of the Naïve Art movement.