Artwork

Closehauled: Crossing the Bar

Closehauled: Crossing the Bar, by Edmund Thornton Crawford, oil, 1861
Closehauled: Crossing the Bar, by Edmund Thornton Crawford, oil, 1861

Closehauled: Crossing the Bar is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist Edmund Thornton Crawford. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

Closehauled: Crossing the Bar is an oil painting created by Edmund Thornton Crawford in 1861, held at the Scottish National Gallery.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a dramatic seascape with two boats navigating rough waters, capturing the power and beauty of the sea. A smaller boat is shown close-hauled, with sails trimmed for speed and control, while a larger ship is visible in the background.

Technique & Style

Crawford's use of oil paint creates a textured, dynamic representation of the waves, conveying a sense of energy and movement. The thick, grey clouds in the sky add to the overall mood of the painting.

Artist & collection