Constantinos Volanakis Greek, 1837-1907

Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner;
Thence by descent

Painted in Munich, Outside the Harbour is a typical example of the bold and modern style that Volanakis employed when painting scenes from everyday life. In contrast to his historical maritime compositions, which were executed in the meticulous style of his Munich tutors, Outside the Harbour stands out through its immediacy and spontaneity of execution.

The present work bears testimony not only to Volanakis’s love of ships and the sea, but of the effects of light, wind and atmosphere. It is also a masterpiece in the study of perspective, space and distance in the artist’s observation of the boats in relation to one another, as well as his handling of the receding clouds coming down to meet the horizon.

Another version of this composition, with differences, dated 1872 is in the collection of the National Gallery and Alexandros Soutzos Museum, Athens.