The artwork titled “The Angry Sea” was created by James McNeill Whistler in 1884. This piece, rendered in oil on canvas, belongs to the Tonalism art movement. Measuring 12.38 x 21.59 cm, it is a landscape genre painting.
The artwork portrays a serene yet slightly tumultuous seascape with a vast expanse of sandy shore occupying the foreground. The gently lapping waves against the shore and the distant horizon line convey a sense of calm juxtaposed with the title’s implication of underlying unrest. The sky, washed in muted tones, blends seamlessly with the tranquil sea, creating a harmonious and unbroken horizon. Methodical brushstrokes and a limited color palette reflect the Tonalism movement’s characteristic sensitivity to atmospheric effects and mood, showcasing Whistler’s mastery in evoking an emotional response through nuanced gradations of color and light.
