Artwork
The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson
The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist John Collier. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery.
About this work
Overview
The Last Voyage of Henry Hudson is an 1881 oil-on-canvas painting by English artist John Collier, depicting a poignant scene from the final journey of the renowned explorer. The work has been part of the Tate Britain collection since its creation.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Henry Hudson, identifiable by his long beard and dark attire, seated in a wooden boat amidst icebergs. He engages a young boy, who holds his hand, possibly imparting wisdom or recounting his voyages. A third figure, seated to the left, looks downward, adding a sense of contemplation to the serene atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Collier employed oil paint on canvas to achieve a calm and serene visual effect, emphasizing the stillness of the icy waters and the emotional intimacy of the human interaction within the boat.
History & Provenance
Created in 1881, the painting was immediately acquired by Tate Britain, where it has remained as part of the collection ever since.
Context
The work reflects late 19th-century artistic interests in historical and exploratory themes, with Collier's interpretation focusing on the personal, reflective moment of a historical figure.
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Artist & collection
Artist
John Maler Collier (; 27 January 1850 – 11 April 1934) was an English painter and writer.
Midnatsstemning ved den grønlandske kyst
Off Greenland—Whaler Seeking Open Water
An Incident of Whaling
An Arctic Summer: Boring Through the Pack in Melville Bay
A Woman from the Land of Eskimos
Friday's Father Rescued
A Woman from the Arctic
Midnatsstemning ved den grønlandske kyst
All Hands to the Pumps
The Lifeboat is Taken through the Dunes
The Fog Warning
Nuevo peligro