Cowes, 3 February 1826

Before you is "Cowes, 3 February 1826," a captivating pen and ink drawing by Thomas Hastings, dating back to 1826. This delicate piece, measuring a mere 17.8 centimeters by 11.4 centimeters, is part of the esteemed collection at the Yale Center for British Art. The drawing masterfully captures a fleeting moment: a single, small sailing vessel, its single sail partially furled, glides across a subtly textured sea. The crew, suggested by simple dark silhouettes on the boat, adds a sense of human presence to this maritime scene. Hastings uses short, hatched lines to evoke the movement of the water, while parallel lines in the sky create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The overall effect is monochromatic, a beautiful interplay of brown ink on a light beige paper. While the details are suggestive rather than meticulously rendered, a sense of calm and the quiet beauty of the sea is powerfully conveyed. Note the subtle hint of another object or perhaps another boat in the lower right corner, adding a touch of mystery to this charming seascape. The artist's loose style speaks to the immediacy of a quick sketch, capturing a transient moment with remarkable skill.