About this sheet
Antique Great Yarmouth Fishing Boats Maritime Etching by E.W. Cooke, 1828
Original antique maritime etching by the important English marine artist Edward William Cooke (1811–1880), depicting traditional fishing cobles drawn up on the beach at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Title:
Yarmouth Cobles, on the Beach
Place of Origin:
England
Subject:
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England
Fishing boats / cobles
British maritime and coastal life
A finely detailed original maritime etching by Edward William Cooke, showing two traditional cobles resting on the beach at Great Yarmouth on the east coast of England.
The two fishing boats dominate the foreground, one with its sail raised and the nearer vessel bearing an abbreviated reference to Great Yarmouth. Along the shoreline to the right are small groups of figures and a horse-drawn vehicle, while sailing vessels appear on the distant horizon.
The plate is signed and dated within the image at lower right, “E.W.C. fecit 1828,” and the title “Yarmouth Cobles, on the beach” is engraved beneath the image.
Cobles are distinctive traditional open fishing boats historically associated with the northeast coast of England. Their characteristic construction was developed for launching from and landing upon exposed beaches, making them an important part of Britain's historic coastal fishing culture.
Edward William Cooke was one of the leading British marine artists of the 19th century. Fascinated by ships and naval architecture from an early age, Cooke produced remarkably accomplished etchings of boats, shipping and coastal subjects while still a teenager. This work dates from 1828, when Cooke was only about seventeen years old, making it an especially interesting example of his early graphic work.
Cooke subsequently developed a distinguished career as a marine and landscape painter and was elected a Royal Academician. His detailed knowledge of ships and their construction gives his maritime works a particularly convincing documentary quality.
The relatively small etched image is printed on a substantially larger sheet, creating an attractive expanse of original period paper around the composition.
Condition:
Excellent antique condition consistent with its age. General light toning. Some discoloration and age-related wear toward the sheet edges. The etched image itself remains clear and well defined. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Style / Period:
Georgian
Early 19th Century
Romantic Period
This is an original antique etching dating from 1828, not a modern reproduction.
Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
