Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Robert W. Salmon died in 1845; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1915.
In context
Moonlight and Lighthouse — Robert W. Salmon
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 70 at death.
Painted when the artist was 61. The artist lived to 70. 99 of the 122 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Robert W. Salmon (1775–1845) ▲ this work, 1836 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1812 Main working years: 1812–1833 Late works: from 1833
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
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/robert-w-salmon-moonlight-and-lighthouse-8CEGQL-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Gray #868a6a
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 66.3% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 173 works by this artist, of which 39 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 Whitehaven, United Kingdom
Origins: Salmon was born Robert Salomon to Francis Salomon, a jeweler. Whitehaven's bustling port provided an early influence on his artistic development.
Early Influences: His training is not extensively documented but it’s believed he studied Dutch marine painters of the 17th century, Italian vedute artists, and Claude Lorrain.
Early Works: His earliest known works, “Two Armed Merchantmen Leaving Whitehaven Harbor” (1800) and “The ‘Estridge’ off Dover,” demonstrate his early skill in capturing maritime scenes.
Royal Academy Debut: Salmon first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1802, marking a significant step in his career.
Move to Liverpool (1806): Salmon settled in Liverpool and changed his name to Salmon. This period saw him produce numerous marine paintings now housed in the National Maritime Museum in London.
Ship Portraits: His ship portraits reveal a deep familiarity with sailing ships and their mechanics, often depicting the same vessel from multiple angles on a single canvas.
Popularity & Collectors: Salmon's work gained popularity among prominent Bostonians like Samuel Cabot, Robert Bennett Forbes, and John Newmarch Cushing, indicating his growing recognition in America.
Luminism Pioneer: He is considered a key figure in the development of American Luminism, influencing artists like William Bradford and Fitz Henry Lane. His emphasis on light and atmosphere created serene and tranquil scenes.
Key Paintings: Some of Salmon's most recognized works include "The Brig 'Ariel'," "Sailing Ship 'Trelawney'," and “View of Liverpool from Cheshire.” These paintings exemplify his skill in capturing the beauty and complexity of sailing vessels.
Boston Harbor Series: He produced a significant body of work depicting Boston Harbor, showcasing maritime life and historical Boston. “Boston Harbor from Castle Island (Ship Charlotte)” is a notable example.
Influence on American Art: Salmon's style profoundly influenced subsequent generations of American seascape painters, contributing to the development of Luminism as an important artistic movement.
Museum Holdings: Salmon’s works are held in prestigious institutions including the U.S. Naval Academy, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.
Lasting Impact: His paintings continue to inspire artists today, serving as a testament to his skill and artistry.
Father of American Luminism: Salmon’s legacy is firmly established as a pioneer of American Luminism, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/robert-w-salmon-moonlight-and-lighthouse-8CEGQL-en/
Look closely
Moonlight and Lighthouse — Robert W. Salmon
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.
Robert W. Salmon made "Moonlight and Lighthouse" in 1836.
The color harmony of "Moonlight and Lighthouse" is recorded as balanced harmony.
The colors of "Moonlight and Lighthouse" show a soft shadow luminance.