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Book synopsis

George Chambers was arguably the most important marine painter of the 19th century. His importance lies in three main thematic groups into which his work may be said to fall and his equal mastery of both oils and watercolours. A romantic at heart, in the original sense of the word, he worked from nature, capturing and interpreting its moods, while acknowledging man's place as an individual in the overall scheme of things. In this group of works it is nature which predominates, the sea, sky, air, light and movement, interpreted with the aid of ships, boats and their people. These pictures usually depict a view from a stated recognizable location, the topography being relegated to a subordinate role. In the second group of pictures, George Chambers brings the topographical elements more to the fore so that they become, in effect, the main subject. In these original compsitions water, shipping and people, engage in maritime activities and remain conspicuous while many works are crowd scenes portraying state occasions such as "The Opening of London Bridge". Many of these paintings were especially commissioned or painted for specific exhibitions and they often proved to be more popular with the buying public than his purer landscapes. The third group of paintings comprises naval engagements commissioned by naval commanders and their families. Usually in oils, these are some of the artist's finest works for which he is mainly remembered. They are complicated, demanding set-pieces which fully tested his abilities and required all his skill to produce such memorable and outstanding works of art. The present biography seeks to remedy the neglect of Chambers in art appreciation circles and uses quotations and edited extracts from the earlier work by John Watkins, a close friend of the artist, who wrote and published his "Life and Career of George Chambers" in 1841. Above all, Alan Russett's new work expands, clarifies, fills gaps and provides additional background including the benefits of extensive picture research which serves to illustrate the narrative with a comprehensive selection of Chambers' works, including some from private collections. The position of George Chambers in 19th-century painting is, therefore, comprehensively appraised in relation to other leading marine painters and the result is a visually stimulating presentation which should add substantially to our knowledge of this important and highly talented artist.

Book details

Book category Books in English The arts Art forms Painting & paintings

• Full title: George Chambers, 1803-1840: His Life and Work
• Author: Alan Russett
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardback
• Number of pages: 216
• EAN: 9781851492336
• ISBN: 185149233X
• ID: 05109075
• Publisher: ACC Art Books
• Weight: 1168 g
• Dimensions: 225 × 285 × 27 mm
• Date of publishing: 02. January 1996

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