Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Clarkson Frederick Stanfield died in 1867; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1937.
In context
Orford — Clarkson Frederick Stanfield
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 74 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Clarkson Frederick Stanfield (1793–1867) every dated painting, decade by decade
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/clarkson-frederick-stanfield-orford-9DHRTA-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Driftwood #a08b41
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 80.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 141 works by this artist, of which 24 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Sunderland, United Kingdom
Birth and Family: Clarkson Frederick Stanfield was born in Sunderland, United Kingdom, in 1793, the son of James Field Stanfield (1749–1824), an Irish-born author, actor, and former seaman. His mother's identity is less known but is believed to have been an artist herself.
Early Apprenticeship: In 1806, he briefly apprenticed as a coach decorator before leaving due to the master’s wife’s drunkenness. This early experience likely contributed to his later skills in color and composition.
Maritime Experience: Stanfield's time as a sailor on a collier (1808) and subsequent service in the Royal Navy (pressed into service in 1808, discharged in 1814) profoundly shaped his artistic vision. His voyages to China in 1815 provided him with valuable sketches that would later inform his work.
Theatre Scene Painter: Stanfield began his career as a decorator and scene-painter at the Royalty Theatre in London (1816). He then worked at the Coburg Theatre and became a resident scene-painter at Drury Lane Theatre (1823-1834), where he gained fame for creating spectacular scenery.
Diorama and Panorama Projects: Partnering with David Roberts, Stanfield created large-scale dioramas and panoramas in the 1820s and 1830s. These included moving panoramas depicting historical events like the bombardment of Algiers and the Battle of Navarino, showcasing his ability to create immersive experiences.
Transition to Easel Painting: After leaving Drury Lane in 1834, Stanfield dedicated himself more fully to easel painting, particularly marine subjects. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1820 onwards.
Romantic Seascapes: Stanfield is best known for his dramatic and evocative seascapes, reflecting the Romantic movement's emphasis on emotion and grandeur. His paintings often feature turbulent waters, atmospheric perspective, and a sense of awe-inspiring power.
Key Characteristics: His style is characterized by skillful use of light and shadow, dynamic brushwork, and an ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of maritime scenes. He employed impasto techniques to create texture and depth.
Notable Works: Some of his most celebrated works include:
St. Michael's Mount (National Gallery of Victoria)
The opening of New London Bridge (Royal Collection)
Venetian subjects for Bowood House and Trentham Park
On the Scheldt
Cityscape With Fish Market
Royal Academy Membership: Stanfield was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Academy in 1832 and a full Academician in 1835, solidifying his position within the British art establishment.
Influence on Later Artists: His dramatic seascapes influenced subsequent generations of marine painters. He helped to elevate the genre of maritime painting to new heights of artistic expression.
Historical Significance: Stanfield's contributions extended beyond easel painting; his work in theatre and panorama production demonstrated his innovative approach to visual storytelling and immersive entertainment, foreshadowing aspects of modern cinema.
Death and Remembrance: Clarkson Frederick Stanfield died in 1867, leaving behind a significant body of work that continues to be admired for its technical skill and emotional power.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/clarkson-frederick-stanfield-orford-9DHRTA-en/
Look closely
Orford — Clarkson Frederick Stanfield
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"Orford" by Clarkson Frederick Stanfield has a soft shadow luminance. Luminance describes how much light the colors appear to reflect.
"Orford" by Clarkson Frederick Stanfield uses a dark color palette. The palette summarizes the work's overall color character.
To preview a reproduction of "Orford" by Clarkson Frederick Stanfield, open the artwork's Preview page.