“Light is therefore colour.” - J.M.W. Turner
A soft haze envelops the sun as it starts to ascend. The heat of the day has not yet burned off the fog, draping the iconic silhouettes of London in a dreamy cloud. The sunlight reflected in the River Thames catches the eye as it ripples across the water.
Inspired by the landscapes of famed British artist J.M.W. Turner, James Hamilton was often referred to as the “American Turner.” Hamilton lived and worked in Philadelphia painting scenes from nature. The Port of London exemplifies his signature light play and marine subject matter for which he was most celebrated. Here, a small ship floats alone in the foreground, distantly surrounded by much larger boats docked in the bay. It travels diagonally through the canvas, juxtaposed against the verticality of the sun’s shine and reflection. In the background of the right of the canvas, smoke travels into the sky, signaling the rise of a soon-bustling city.
The back of this painting holds an inscription that gives insight into the unique history and provenance of this piece. It reads, “The Port of London, a London Fog/by Hamilton/Philadelphia 1869/from sketches from nature/made in London by the artist in July (?) 1854/Painted for Joseph F. Sinnot Esq./Philadelphia.” Joseph Sinnott, the millionaire owner of a wealthy distillery, was a committed patron of the arts in Philadelphia. In his Will he bequeathed much of his wealth to art academies and schools in the city as well as to several charities in Pennsylvania. He also created an endowment at the School of Industrial Art in his wife’s name, Annie Eliza Rogers Sinnott. In the late 19th century, Philadelphia was one of the leading art scenes in America. By commissioning Hamilton to create this stunning sunrise scene, Sinnott contributed the American artistic culture and taste and provided opportunity for Hamilton to represent the quiet beauty of each day’s start.
