Artwork
Sur le Quai
Sur le Quai is a print by William Lee Hankey. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1919, *Sur le Quai* is a print by British artist William Lee Hankey, who is noted for his depictions of everyday rural and domestic life. The work presents a quiet moment on a waterfront, featuring a woman and a child seated together, and is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a mother‑figure embracing a child, both gazing toward an unseen point beyond the quay. By focusing on this intimate interaction, Hankey underscores themes of familial tenderness and the quiet observation of daily routines, characteristic of his broader interest in domestic scenes.
Technique & Style
Rendered in muted tones, the print employs loose, expressive lines that convey a sense of movement. Subtle chiaroscuro modeling adds depth, allowing the figures to emerge from a softer background. The overall effect balances restraint with vitality, reflecting Hankey’s skill in merging atmospheric mood with narrative focus.
History & Provenance
After its creation in the post‑World War I period, the work entered the holdings of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Hankey’s training at the Chester School of Art, the Royal College of Art, and later in Paris informed his approach, situating the piece within his early twentieth‑century printmaking practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Lee Hankey (1869–1952) RWS, RI, ROI, RE, NS was a British painter, printmaker, and illustrator.
