Discussing - Pegwell Bay, Kent by William Dyce 1858

[ArtofAndrewDaniel]

William Dyce

Pegwell Bay, Kent - a Recollection of October 5th 1858

25" x 35" 63 × 89 cm

oil on canvas - Tate Britain

I just came across this piece online and it is really hitting home for me. As I was looking for more information on it I came this really brilliant short video, where two art historians discuss the piece.

The interpretation in this video really hits home for me. I have always thought that there was something lovely about making art that depicts your family and the passage of time. I love the sense of quietude and contemplation as these people take time out of there daily life to be in relationship with nature and each other. This piece is like a time capsule that will continue to speak to us about the universal experience of humanity for centuries to come.

The piece is inviting me to attempt a large multi-figural landscape. Something I have been meaning to do for a long time. Now I look at this and see how time slips away and I better get to work on these ideas I have been playing with.

What are your thoughts on this work and the themes brought up in the video?
Does it make you think of other works that inspire you? Post them here!

[ArtofAndrewDaniel]

I think the direction and intent are really intriguing to me. I also like the mixing of the themes of family and nature.

Here is an artist who does mostly pictures of his family, I have always been impressed by the depth of emotional relationship that comes through. His name is Brett Bigbee.