hartley fox island, georgetown maine c1937-8 Marsden Hartley (1877-1943)

The composition presents a coastal scene dominated by a central island rising from the water. The artist has structured the view into distinct horizontal planes: the foreground of rocky terrain, a middle ground of turbulent waves and shoreline, and a background featuring the island itself under a cloudy sky.
In the lower portion of the canvas, we observe a cluster of dark, roughly textured rocks rendered in shades of brown, ochre, and black. These forms are not precisely defined, suggesting an impressionistic approach to depicting their mass and volume. The waves crashing against these rocks introduce movement and dynamism into the scene; they are painted with thick, white brushstrokes that convey foam and spray.
The middle ground establishes a visual link between the foreground rocks and the island in the distance. A thin line of shoreline separates the water from the landmasses, creating a sense of depth. The island itself is densely covered with trees, their dark green foliage contrasting sharply with the lighter tones of the sky. A small structure, possibly a building or lighthouse, sits atop the island, adding a human element to the otherwise natural landscape.
The sky occupies a significant portion of the canvas and contributes significantly to the overall mood. The clouds are rendered in broad strokes of white and blue, suggesting an overcast day. Their placement above the island creates a sense of enclosure and perhaps even isolation.
The color palette is restrained, relying primarily on earth tones, blues, and whites. This limited range reinforces the feeling of quiet contemplation and emphasizes the natural beauty of the scene. The application of paint appears deliberate and expressive, with visible brushstrokes adding texture and visual interest to the surface.
Subtly, theres a sense of melancholy conveyed through the muted colors and the isolated nature of the island. It’s not an idyllic portrayal; rather, it suggests a place marked by solitude and perhaps even a touch of hardship. The rough textures and dynamic waves hint at the power of nature and its potential to shape the landscape and those who inhabit it. The small structure on the island offers a suggestion of human presence but does little to dispel the overall feeling of remoteness.