The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson (c.1881) by John Collier

The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson - John Collier - c.1881

Artwork Information

TitleThe Last Voyage of Henry Hudson
ArtistJohn Collier
Datec.1881
Mediumoil
Dimensions183.5 x 214 cm
Art MovementRomanticism
Current LocationTate Modern, London, UK

About The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson

“The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson” is an oil painting by John Collier, created around 1881. This artwork, part of the Romanticism movement, is classified as a history painting and measures 183.5 x 214 cm. It is currently housed in the Tate Modern in London, UK.

The artwork portrays the historical moment when Henry Hudson, the famous English sea explorer, faced abandonment by his crew in the Arctic. The central figure, presumed to be Hudson, has a commanding presence with a thick beard and a soulful yet resigned expression. He is seated in an open wooden boat amidst a backdrop of frigid icebergs and mountain ranges, creating a stark and desolate scene. The atmosphere is cold and foreboding, capturing the perilous conditions of the Arctic expedition. A boy, likely his son, clinging to Hudson’s arm, adds a poignant touch of vulnerability and human connection to the otherwise harsh environment. Another man huddled in the boat, likely a member of his crew, appears contemplative and shrouded in fur, emphasizing the dire circumstances. The painting’s use of somber tones and meticulous detail brings forth the dramatic and tragic narrative of Hudson’s final expedition.

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