Looking at this work, “Rescue of the Crew of the USS Monitor by USS Rhode Island, December 31, 1862” by artist William Richardson Tyler is an experience best enjoyed over a few minutes, at least.

When you look at Edward William Cooke’s 1856 painting, “Violent Squall on the Adriatic”, it becomes so much more than a painting of a fishing boat, instead it comes to life and plays out like the dramatic climax of a movie.

Looking at this work, we’re immediately struck by a stillness that feels, not stagnant, but rather meditative and peaceful. This stillness comes from the many horizontal lines that run through this piece. We see them in the clouds that don’t puff up, but rather spread out wispily in the sky, and in the horizon, the water, and the shore.

Learn more about the inspiration behind our new  monthly video series Beyond the Frame!