James Hamilton (American, 1819-1878). Foundering, 1863. Oil on canvas, frame: 70 1/8 x 58 9/16 in. (178.1 x 148.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 55.139 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 55.139_acetate_bw.jpg)
James Hamilton (American, 1819-1878). Foundering, 1863. Oil on canvas, frame: 70 1/8 x 58 9/16 in. (178.1 x 148.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 55.139 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.55.139.jpg)
Foundering
James Hamilton
American Art
On View: Beaux-Arts Court, East, 3rd Floor
The devastation of Pompeii by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. was an object of popular fascination starting in the mid-eighteenth century. At that time the volcano began a sustained period of renewed activity. Simultaneously, archaeologists began excavations of the ancient buried city.
The subject held strong appeal for Romantic painters on both sides of the Atlantic. European by birth, James Hamilton had a taste for the philosophical concept of the Sublime and an obsession with the cyclical nature of societies and civilizations. He applied these interests to the Roman Empire in The Last Days of Pompeii and the American Civil War in Foundering.
Painted during a devastating year of the war, Foundering features a failing ship tossed at sea. A flag of the Confederacy whips from the top of its mast.
The subject held strong appeal for Romantic painters on both sides of the Atlantic. European by birth, James Hamilton had a taste for the philosophical concept of the Sublime and an obsession with the cyclical nature of societies and civilizations. He applied these interests to the Roman Empire in The Last Days of Pompeii and the American Civil War in Foundering.
Painted during a devastating year of the war, Foundering features a failing ship tossed at sea. A flag of the Confederacy whips from the top of its mast.
MEDIUM
Oil on canvas
DATES
1863
DIMENSIONS
frame: 70 1/8 x 58 9/16 in. (178.1 x 148.7 cm)
59 5/8 x 48 1/16 in. (151.5 x 122 cm) (show scale)
INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed verso: "Foundering' / Jas Hamilton / Philada 1863"
COLLECTIONS
American Art
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Beaux-Arts Court, East, 3rd Floor
EXHIBITIONS
ACCESSION NUMBER
55.139
CREDIT LINE
Dick S. Ramsay Fund
RIGHTS STATEMENT
No known copyright restrictions
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CAPTION
James Hamilton (American, 1819-1878). Foundering, 1863. Oil on canvas, frame: 70 1/8 x 58 9/16 in. (178.1 x 148.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Dick S. Ramsay Fund, 55.139 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 55.139_acetate_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 55.139_acetate_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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