At the Jersey Shore

Artist Alfred T. Bricher

Periodca. 1870 - 1890

MediumWatercolor and gouache over graphite on paper

Dimensions10.9 × 20.9 in. (27.7 × 53.1 cm)

SignedSigned lower right, "ATBricher"

ClassificationsMarine and Seascapes

Credit LineGift of Mrs. William S. Holmes, 1948

Object number3226

DescriptionA view looking south along a flat, sandy beach at low tide, with a line of seaweed along the edge of the generally calm water. A line of poles along the surf line has chains attached that extend into the sea that may have been for the use of bathers. A cluster of low buildings appears on the right, typical of shore restaurants, snack shops, and souvenir stands of the second half of the 19th century. A long, low structure on the extreme right of the view is a bath house. One sign over it reads "C. T. Wynn," while the name "C Wynn's Ba . . ." is painted on the rear of the structure. Another line of cabanas appears at the far end of the group of beach structures. In the far distance can be seen the profile of what is probably a large hotel. It is a cloudy, misty day with light breaking through the overcast sky.
Curatorial RemarksVarious places along the Jersey Shore have been suggested as the location of this very skillfully rendered watercolor by Alfred T. Bricher (1837 - 1908). It most resembles the low-lying barrier beaches of Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May Counties.

Collections