Seal Rock

The painting Seal Rock, an oil on canvas created by Albert Bierstadt between 1880 and 1890, is currently housed at the New Britain Museum of American Art. The artwork measures 1.44 meters in width and 1.05 meters in height.

The painting depicts a dramatic scene of a rocky island outcrop being pounded by a large wave. The crest of the wave is a vibrant green, contrasting with the deep blues and whites of the churning water around it. Perched on the rocks are numerous seals, their dark bodies standing out against the reddish-brown of the stone. Some seals are perched on higher rocks, seemingly observing the crashing wave, while others are closer to the water's edge. A few seabirds fly in the turbulent air above the wave, adding to the sense of movement and drama. The sky is a mix of blues and grays, hinting at a stormy atmosphere. The overall impression is one of the raw power of nature and the resilience of the wildlife that inhabits such environments.