Who painted Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope?

Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope was painted by Marshall Craig in 1788.

Where can I see Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope?

Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope?

Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope is associated with American Folk Art.

Artwork

Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope

Marshall Craig , 1788

Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope is a watercolor work on paper by the American Folk Art artist Marshall Craig. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Marshall Craig’s 1788 watercolour, titled *Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope*, depicts a maritime scene rendered in monochrome. The work appears in a printed catalogue rather than as an individual painting, offering a compact yet precise representation of a vessel navigating a rugged shoreline.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a sailing ship confronting choppy seas beside steep, rocky cliffs. A second vessel is shown anchored nearer the coast, suggesting a narrative of navigation and anchorage within a challenging maritime environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in a straightforward, detailed manner, the piece employs line work and tonal contrast typical of late‑18th‑century watercolour sketches. The emphasis on ship forms and coastal topography reflects a utilitarian approach to documenting seascapes.

History & Provenance

Created in 1788, the watercolour was reproduced in a printed catalogue, indicating its role as a visual record rather than a decorative object. Its inclusion in such a publication points to contemporary interest in Cape Town’s strategic maritime position.

Context

The late 1700s saw increased European navigation around the Cape of Good Hope, a critical waypoint for trade routes. Craig’s depiction aligns with the period’s demand for accurate visual information about harbours and coastal hazards.