This scene is very typical of small harbors and backwater wharves scattered around the Chesapeake Bay. In “Moonlit Harbor” we see an oyster-dredging skipjack moored at the dock under a full rising moon. The cool hue of evening is warmed by the glow of light flowing from the shacks and wharf buildings below. The day’s catch has been unloaded and the crew has headed home as the Captain chats with a local dock hand.

These are the last fishing vessels to work under sail in North American waters. Once plentiful on the bay, their numbers have dwindled to a handful. Even so there are a few stalwart skippers and with their ancient boats, some over a hundred years old, venture forth in search of oysters.

Oil on Stretched Linen Canvas 8″ x 12″ Framed 14″ x 18″ $3,250 SOLD

As with all originals purchased directly from me, this piece comes with a handsome “House of Troy” painting light attached [ $60 value] at no charge.