Who painted A View of the Sea by Moonlight?

A View of the Sea by Moonlight was painted by Thomas Major in 1757.

Where can I see A View of the Sea by Moonlight?

A View of the Sea by Moonlight is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

A View of the Sea by Moonlight

A View of the Sea by Moonlight is a print by Thomas Major. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Major’s 1757 print titled *A View of the Sea by Moonlight* depicts a nocturnal maritime scene rendered in stark contrast. The composition centers on three vessels navigating a turbulent sea beneath a cloud‑filled sky, while two smaller boats with occupants drift nearby and two figures stand on the shoreline, one grasping a pole. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a dramatic encounter between human activity and a storm‑tossed ocean, emphasizing the vulnerability of ships and shore dwellers under the indifferent glow of moonlight. The presence of figures on land and in boats suggests a narrative of observation and survival, inviting contemplation of the sea’s power and the fleeting safety offered by the shore.

Technique & Style

Major employs chiaroscuro, using deep blacks for the night sky and sea against delicate whites for the moon and reflected light. The gradations of tone create a sense of depth and movement, while the rough brush‑like lines suggest churning water. This contrast heightens the atmospheric tension and underscores the fleeting illumination provided by the moon.

History & Provenance

Created in 1757, the print reflects the eighteenth‑century fascination with marine subjects and the technical possibilities of engraving. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it remains a representative example of Major’s work and of period printmaking practices.