Who painted Sail Makers [recto]?

Sail Makers [recto] was painted by Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr. in 1870.

Where can I see Sail Makers [recto]?

Sail Makers [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sail Makers [recto]?

Sail Makers [recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Sail Makers [recto]

Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr. , 1870

Sail Makers [recto] is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist Perry, Enoch Wood, Jr.. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Sail Makers (recto) is a drawing executed in 1870 by American artist Enoch Wood Perry Jr.

About this work

Overview

Sail Makers (recto) is a drawing executed in 1870 by American artist Enoch Wood Perry Jr. The work combines pen and black ink with watercolor and gouache applied over a graphite underdrawing on wove paper, presenting a detailed scene of maritime labor.

Technique & Style

The piece employs a mixed-media approach: a graphite sketch establishes composition, ink outlines forms, and washes of watercolor and opaque gouache add tonal depth. The combination of transparent and solid pigments allows for subtle gradations of light while retaining the precision of line work typical of mid‑nineteenth‑century American illustration.

Context

Created during a period when marine subjects were popular in American art, the drawing reflects contemporary interest in documenting the workings of shipbuilding and seafaring trades. Perry’s choice of medium aligns with the era’s practice of producing detailed, portable studies for exhibition or publication.