Close of the Day – Sunset on the Coast Alexander Cozens (1717-1786)

The canvas presents a coastal scene bathed in the fading light of sunset. A vast expanse of water dominates the lower portion of the composition, its surface rendered with subtle gradations of color suggesting both depth and stillness. The horizon line is low, emphasizing the expansive sky above.
Here we see a rugged coastline rising from the waters edge, characterized by dark, undulating forms that suggest rocky terrain and dense vegetation. These landforms are silhouetted against the vibrant sunset, their details largely obscured but contributing to a sense of imposing scale and natural power. A single structure, possibly a tower or fortified building, is perched atop one of the higher points along the coast, its presence adding an element of human intervention within this otherwise wild landscape.
The sky itself is the focal point of the painting. The artist has employed a range of warm hues – oranges, yellows, and reds – to depict the sunsets fiery glow. These colors are not uniformly distributed; instead, they blend and transition into cooler tones of grey and blue towards the upper reaches of the canvas, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective and depth. The brushwork in the sky is loose and expressive, conveying the ephemeral nature of light and atmosphere.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and melancholy beauty. The subdued palette and the absence of human figures contribute to a feeling of solitude and vastness. The scene evokes a sense of transition – the end of a day, the passage of time – and invites reflection on themes of impermanence and the sublime power of nature. The inclusion of the structure on the coast introduces an intriguing subtext; it suggests a history of human presence and perhaps even a narrative of resilience or isolation against the backdrop of this dramatic landscape.