The mere thought of life out on sea is fascinating. To be surrounded by nothing but the wide expanse of blue waters on all sides, along with the amazing sights that such natural beauties offer, the life out there seems like one full of thrill. It is definitely so for those who hold a passion for the sea. But for those who have such a passion but can’t enjoy life of a mariner because they won’t get enough days off from work, the art maritime is a way of depicting the essence of such a life. For most artists interested in marine art, it is all about capturing the moment. And more often than not, they manage to do so.
Marine Art: History
Maritime art is almost as old as the ships themselves. Ever since the first of the ships started making their voyages, artists wanted to capture this big step into the new world. Art maritime as old as 15th century, can be found today in any marine art museum all over the world. Such museums are dedicated entirely to the marine art and are the best quenchers for those who are in love with the blues of oceans and the sky together.
Even though mention of seas can be found in mythological works, the earliest human connection with the sea, depicted in form of art can be dated back to somewhere around 470 BC. Marine life art has been a greater attraction point for artists since older times than given credit for. Images of marine life can be seen at a number of places like coins, artifacts, pots, vases, paintings etc. depicting various things related to the marine life.
A lot of famous artists since old times have devoted their talents to their love for the sea. Likes of Willem Van de Velde or Hendrick Cornelisz Vroom have made significant contributions to this particular genre of art, their work being a valuable possession of art marine.
Features of marine art
Typically, marine art can be anything that has been inspired from the marine life. A ship in the storm like ‘the storm of the sea of Galilee’ or just a person standing by the sea, admiring its vastness like ‘Harmony in Blue and Silver’ are all works of art marine.
The choice of object of inspiration varies from artist to artist but the main feature of marine life art remains same all the time- the essence is derived from the waters. There is no set rule to art marine. Artists of varying styles have paid their tribute to their love for the sea in their own form and each of it is a valued piece of art. But among them all, the passion of the artist remains visible, even though the point of his amazement may differ. For some it is the ships that amaze them, their built and structures while for others it is about the deep secrets held inside those blue waters.
Marine art museums
Museums, all over the world, are dedicated especially to this particular art mainly because there are people everywhere who share the passion of most of the artists interested in the sea. Such a marine art museum not only showcases works of artists of history and contemporary works related to marine life but also works towards promoting awareness among people about the long rich history of marine life in general. Such museum’s exhibit various styles of work on maritime art, making them the ultimate place for any person seeking this art.
The exhibitions and auctions held by such museums help art lovers all over the world to constantly stay in touch with the new advancements in art marine while appreciating what has already been done in the history.
May it be the amazing sea life with its diverse flora and fauna or it is about more technical aspect of marine life in form of ships and docks and other such structures, marine art inspires a lot of people and it will continue to do so, as long as people can appreciate the beauty of it.
You may also like to read-The Biggest Maritime Museum in the World : The National Maritime Museum, UK
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