The sea has been represented throughout the history of art – from the Romans who illustrated aspects of mythology on their decorative pavements, right up to today’s artists who hope their work might help in coastal conservation.  Its vast stretches of water have always been places of fascination.  The open, wild sea has been the location of adventurous tales in literature whereas coastal ports and harbours provided more secure locations for both leisure and trade.  Across the century’s artists have revealed their own feelings about nature through representing humankind’s relationship with the sea.  As a place of work, the sea offered livelihoods to fishermen, their womenfolk and to children.  The sea and its coasts remain a subject approached by many artists who reveal their own response to its beauty – and the need for our respect towards its fragility in modern times. 

Courbet – Le Bord de Mer a Palavas 1854

Picture credit: Wikipedia Commons/Public Domain