David Cox 1783-1859

Crossing the sands was the most iconic subject painted by David Cox.  Based upon sketches taken on the sands either side of the peninsula of Cartmel, the view of Lancaster Sands or Ulverston Sands was drawn and painted by Cox on several occasions from 1834 through to the 1850's. 

The painting shows villagers travelling to or from market across the sands while the tide is out.  Those on horseback, particularly the woman in a red cloak are usually part of the composition, as are dogs walking through a strong breeze.  In several compositions, Cox included a guide with his hunting horn leading the travellers who could so easily be caught by the rapid incoming tide or the thickening mist, this latter feature brilliantly captured by Cox in the present work.  To the right of the composition Cox shows a flock of seagulls swooping onto dead fish and other fodder provided by the wet sands when the tide is out. 

The fact that this is painted on panel not canvas and is unusually precisely dated: Sep^tr 1855, indicating that it might have been a specific commission, and certainly it appears not to have been exhibited.  During the summer months of 1855, Cox had travelled to Edinburgh to sit for a portrait by Sir John Watson Gordon.  Cox gave five sittings during August to Watson Gordon who enjoyed carrying out the commission, comparing Cox to Sir Walter Scott.  The portrait of Cox, commissioned by his friends and admirers in Birmingham, is in Birmingham City Art Gallery.  The present work was painted between the sittings in Edinburgh, and the presentation on 19th November of the portrait at the house of Charles Birch in Birmingham.