Robert Duncanson, "Ellen's Isle, Loch Katrine"


    This week we visit a panoramic vista of the Ohio River valley.  It is an oil painting created by artist Robert Duncanson (1821-1872) between 1870 and 1871.   Duncanson was a self taught painter.  He has an interesting history, being a Black American living in Ohio most of his adult life.  For a great deal of time, to earn a living, he was quite successful traveling around Ohio and Michigan area as an itinerant portrait painter.  In 1848 he became interested in landscapes so to develop some skill he copied the work of Thomas Cole, plus drew sketches in the outdoors to later develop in his studio.            Ellen's Isle is in the tradition of Cole, and the Hudson River School.  I find it a serene, beautiful composition.  The low sun close to the horizon is reflected back into the water, almost to the point where the boat is about to reach; clearly the center of interest.  But the sweeping river and hills carry our eye across the format to view this wonderful setting.  Notice how the sunlight lights the trunks of the trees on our right, pulling out attention back into the scene.  
   I keep wondering about the boat and the people in it.  It looks like a long, narrow canoe; and that is a lot of folks!  In my mind, it is a good thing it is a calm summer morning or early evening.  We cannot clearly gain any more information about who they are or where they are going.  They are simply a human presence in a tranquil scene.
    Interestingly Duncanson died when he was only 51.  He developed dementia and some reports speculate he may have suffered from lead poisoning.  This makes sense because most paints at this time did contain lead. 
     Ellen's Isle, Loch Katrine is an oil on canvas.  It is part of the permanent collection of the Detroit Institute of Art in Detroit, Michigan.  It measures 28 1/2" x 49" and was completed early in 1871.
   Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

   
Location: Tasmania, Australia

Comments

  1. Char HarguthDecember 8, 2020 at 5:37 PM

    This painting certainly has the majestic romantic look of the Hudson River School. Everything is glowing with the yellow/orange touch of the sunset. Is that another boat in the distance, or just a tiny island? The shore in the foreground looks like an ideal spot from which to "skip rocks"! So serene, the boat hardly leaves ripples. It's a calm setting and a testament to the earth's natural beauty and wonder. He really had professional self-taught skills. Just lovely!

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    Replies
    1. Art Expert On LineDecember 12, 2020 at 8:25 AM

      I was undecided, too, about the object in the distance. I couldn't tell if it was another boat, or an island, so I didn't mention it. Maybe if we ever see the original we could tell. I am glad you agreed it is a beautiful setting. Always, thanks for your great input, I always look forward to reading it!

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