New Jersey Shore
(1833-1905)
We believe that Richards’ seascapes are the best portrayals of the American seascape extant. Throughout his career he painted the eastern seaboard from Maine to New Jersey. Standing knee deep in water, he would sketch furiously, trying to capture the constantly changing scene before him then race away so as not to be soaked by the in-rushing water. For anyone who has visited the area, even today, the coastal plane and ocean water he recorded is unmistakably true to nature.
Richards was a prolific painter and, remarkably, maintained a high level of quality throughout his life. Large, fully developed works, especially those that exhibit his hallmark magical, translucence in the peaks of the waves are always sought after. He left an indelible mark on 19th century American art and is an important addition to any collection.