BHC1212

Shakespeare Cliff, Dover, 1849 Long Caption: A composition in which the artist has incorporated recognizable features at Dover, about 1849, with imaginary narrative. The painting falls into two parts with a brig shown on the left amidst dark clouds and a stormy sea. It is flying the red ensign upside down to indicate that it is in distress. A boat is being launched from the beach to go to its assistance. The painting can be seen as a glorification of industrial progress, and Dover as the place at which England advances towards the continent of Europe, yet equally defines its own boundary. The white cliffs bear a symbolic and historical significance making Dover a locus of identity for the sovereignty of the nation. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: BHC1212 Artist: Clarkson Stanfield Date: 1862 Medium: oil on canvas Size: 584 mm x 914 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.