Robert W Salmon, a renowned maritime artist from the United Kingdom, left an indelible mark on the art world with his breathtaking paintings. Born in Whitehaven, Cumberland, England in October or November 1775, Salmon was christened as Robert Salomon. He is widely considered the Father of American Luminism, a style characterized by careful attention to light in landscapes, aerial perspective, and concealment of visible brushstrokes to emphasize tranquility.
Early Life and Training
Salmon's early training is not well-documented, but it is believed that he studied the work of Dutch marine painters of the 17th century, Italian painters of vedute, and the work of Claude Lorrain. His earliest known works,
Two Armed Merchantmen Leaving Whitehaven Harbor and
The ‘Estridge’ Off Dover, are dated 1800. Salmon's first exhibition at the Royal Academy was in 1802.
Artistic Career
Salmon settled in Liverpool in 1806 and changed his name from Salomon to Salmon. Many of his marine paintings from this early period survive, and are housed in the
National Maritime Museum in London. His ship portraits indicate a familiarity with sailing ships and an intimate knowledge of how they worked. These portraits tend to follow his traditional practice of showing the same vessel in at least two positions on the same canvas.
Salmon's work was very popular, and was collected by Bostonians Samuel Cabot, Robert Bennett Forbes, and John Newmarch Cushing. He is considered one of the most prominent Boston seascape painters, and his contact with William Bradford and Fitz Henry Lane had a great importance to Lane, evident in his marine views.
Notable Works
Some of Salmon's notable works include
The Brig 'Ariel',
Sailing Ship 'Trelawney', and
View of Liverpool from Cheshire. These paintings showcase his exceptional skill in capturing the beauty and complexity of sailing vessels.
Key aspects of Salmon's work include his use of light effects, careful attention to detail, and emphasis on tranquility. His style is characterized by a focus on light and atmosphere, with an emphasis on calmness and serenity.
Salmon's legacy continues to inspire artists today, and his work can be found in various museums, including the
U.S. Naval Academy,
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. His contributions to the art world are undeniable, and his paintings remain a testament to his unparalleled skill as a maritime artist. https://WahooArt.com/@/Robert W Salmon
https://WahooArt.com/Art.nsf/O/A@D3B7NK-The-Museum-Hereford-Museum-and-Art-Gallery-(United-Kingdom)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Salmon