Rockwell Kent (American, 1882–1971). <em>Down to the Sea</em>, 1910. Oil on canvas, 42 1/2 × 56 1/4 in., 63 lb. (108 × 142.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frank L. Babbott, 25.758. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 25.758_SL1.jpg)

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Rockwell Kent (American, 1882–1971). Down to the Sea, 1910. Oil on canvas, 42 1/2 × 56 1/4 in., 63 lb. (108 × 142.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frank L. Babbott, 25.758. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 25.758_SL1.jpg)

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When was this piece made?

This painting dates to 1910. It was painted by Rockwell Kent and is titled "Down to the Sea."

Kent was an American painter from New York. He travelled extensively and drew inspiration for his works from the locales he visited, such as Newfoundland, Alaska, and Tierra del Fuego.

Interesting, this almost looks like a funeral scene...yet the title seems more nonchalant or optimistic if what's being shown. Is there a connection?

It's a really intriguing painting since it does look pretty ambiguous. It's thought to be a scene of farewell to a sailor who is headed out to sea.

I thought those boxes in front were coffins lol!

They are a little hard to make out since they're in the darker part of the painting. They may be some kind of lobster traps!

Down to the Sea

Rockwell Kent

American Art

ARTIST Rockwell Kent, American, 1882–1971

MEDIUM Oil on canvas

DATES 1910

DIMENSIONS 42 1/2 × 56 1/4 in., 63 lb. (108 × 142.9 cm) frame: 49 x 63 1/4 x 2 1/2 in. (124.5 x 160.7 x 6.4 cm) (show scale)

SIGNATURE Signed lower left: "Rockwell Kent 1910"

COLLECTIONS American Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 25.758

CREDIT LINE Gift of Frank L. Babbott

EXHIBITIONS

New York: A Magnet for Artists

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Rockwell Kent (American, 1882–1971). Down to the Sea, 1910. Oil on canvas, 42 1/2 × 56 1/4 in., 63 lb. (108 × 142.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Frank L. Babbott, 25.758. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 25.758_SL1.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 25.758_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

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