Artwork

Breaking Up of the "Agamemnon," No. 1

Breaking Up of the "Agamemnon," No. 1, by Francis Seymour Haden, 1870
Breaking Up of the "Agamemnon," No. 1, by Francis Seymour Haden, 1870

Breaking Up of the "Agamemnon," No. 1 is a print by the Impressionist artist Francis Seymour Haden. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Breaking Up of the 'Agamemnon,' No.

About this work

Overview

Breaking Up of the 'Agamemnon,' No. 1, a print by Francis Seymour Haden from 1870, depicts the industrial process of shipbreaking at a dock, emphasizing the gritty, unromanticized aspect of the work.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork focuses on the dismantling of a large wooden ship, set against a backdrop of a cityscape. The emphasis is on the raw, industrial nature of the activity, devoid of glamour.

Technique & Style

Characterized by scratchy lines reminiscent of a quick sketch, the print belies its hasty appearance with a high level of detailed rendering, aligning with Realist tendencies.

History & Provenance

Created in 1870 by Francis Seymour Haden, the print is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.