A sailing ship being towed by a tugboat in a harbour
Artist
Frederick Elliott
(Australian, 1864 - 1949)
Date1910 -1930
Object number00026449
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour on paper, mounted on board.
DimensionsOverall: 382 x 510 x 2 mm, 463 g
Image: 360 x 250 mm
Image: 360 x 250 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Donald McLean
HistoryFrederick (Fred) Elliott was active mostly in Sydney from about 1880 or 1890 to 1930. He also worked in Brisbane. Despite a prolific output of watercolours on marine subjects little is known about him. He is said to have sold his paintings around waterfront pubs for the price of a few drinks. His style combines a romantic use of soft light, mist and reflections, with a realism arising from an accurate knowledge of ships and associated maritime things. His works were almost never dated and were usually untitled or given very general titles.
SignificanceThe painting by Fred Elliott is a typical example of the romantic work of Elliott, who was said to have sold his paintings for drinks in waterfront pubs in Sydney.
