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Sea in arts 🌊
Mysterious, dangerous, soothing or sublime, the sea is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists. Until the 19th century, it was a world that often evoked fear. Storms, shipwrecks and abysses formed the backdrop to a rich artistic output. Then, from the 1850s onwards, a change took place. Fascination overcame the terror of the open sea. Embark on an artistic voyage that combines mythological tales, romantic explorations and contemporary views of maritime issues. Ready to weigh anchor? ⚓
In today’s episode, we travel to the Art Institute of Chicago for a long look at this iconic print by Japanese artist, Hokusai.
You might remember from the Van Gogh episode that when French artists discovered colorful Japanese woodblock prints like this, it started the enormously popular Japonisme trend and eventually led to Impressionism.
But influence went both ways. In today’s episode, we’ll find out how a lab accident in Berlin led to Hokusai showcasing this vivid Prussian blue 130 years later.
Content produced by: A Long Look
On the agenda
podcast - 8:54
The Great Wave
By: A Long Look
video - 4:05
Friedrich, Monk by the Sea
By: SmartHistory
video - 5:08
The Monk by the Sea
By: Shawn Grenier | The Canvas
video - 3:08
Breaking Waves
By: Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
video - 4:04
Waves of Matsushima
By: Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
video - 6:30
Hiroshi Sugimoto – “The Stormy Sea” by Gustave Courbet
By: Musée d'Orsay
podcast - 9:55
On the Coast of New Jersey by William Trost Richards
By: A Long Look
video - 15:07
The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich
By: Great Art Explained
