Description
A masterful 19th century nautical watercolor
A well elaborated scene depicting a shipwreck near a rocky shore
The "En grisaille"- like palette with brownish ink and wash maximize the gloom and unreality of the scene
The clouded sky, the crepuscular rays of light reflecting on the sea surface, the birds flying away, all details are just amazingly well done to create the unique atmosphere of the Cornwall shore while giving the viewer the strong sense of the fleeting moment
The master is the well known British artist Charles Thornely (1858-1898)
Thornley (aka Thorneley) was a member of the Royal Society of British painters. He lived in London, where he exhibited widely at some of the foremost venues of his day, such as the Walker Street Gallery, The Suffolk Street Gallery, The Manchester Art Gallery, among others
His style is distinct and easily recognizable for its quality and appeal.
The painting is signed lower left
It comes well presented in wooden frame with French matting under glass, ready for display
All original
Measurements: Approx. 20.5" x 17" framed; 13" x 9.5" - the scene
Weighs about 4 lbs.
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos. Very slight discoloration, commensurate with age. All original.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very Good overall. Please see photos. Very slight discoloration, commensurate with age. All original.
Origin:
United Kingdom
Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Pencil
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Art Subjects: Seascape
Frame Type: Framed
A well elaborated scene depicting a shipwreck near a rocky shore
The "En grisaille"- like palette with brownish ink and wash maximize the gloom and unreality of the scene
The clouded sky, the crepuscular rays of light reflecting on the sea surface, the birds flying away, all details are just amazingly well done to create the unique atmosphere of the Cornwall shore while giving the viewer the strong sense of the fleeting moment
The master is the well known British artist Charles Thornely (1858-1898)
Thornley (aka Thorneley) was a member of the Royal Society of British painters. He lived in London, where he exhibited widely at some of the foremost venues of his day, such as the Walker Street Gallery, The Suffolk Street Gallery, The Manchester Art Gallery, among others
His style is distinct and easily recognizable for its quality and appeal.
The painting is signed lower left
It comes well presented in wooden frame with French matting under glass, ready for display
All original
Measurements: Approx. 20.5" x 17" framed; 13" x 9.5" - the scene
Weighs about 4 lbs.
Condition: Very Good overall. Please see photos. Very slight discoloration, commensurate with age. All original.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very Good overall. Please see photos. Very slight discoloration, commensurate with age. All original.
Origin:
United Kingdom
Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Pencil
Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Art Subjects: Seascape
Frame Type: Framed
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very Good overall. Please see photos. Very slight discoloration, commensurate with age. All original.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
17 x 20.5 x 2 in
Antique Charles Thornely British Brown Ink Wash Drawing of a Cornwall Rocky Shore W. Shipwreck
Estimate $360-$1,040
Starting Bid
$180
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Autumn Menagerie: Sculpture & Decorative Arts
Oct 15, 2026, 1:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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