The work of 19th-century fishermen meant frequent risky journeys by sea. The sailors in this small boat seem to have a basket of crabs or lobsters.

Two men are rowing hard through the big waves, while another seems to be using an oar as a rudder.

Their sail is down, perhaps because the wind is blowing too briskly to use it. Two-masted and three-masted trading ships cross the sea behind them. Carmichael was known for the accuracy of his pictures of ships.

Provenance: Acquired before 1983

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: John Wilson Carmichael (1799-1868)
Date: 1838

Image Details
Date: 31 July 2026
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/30s
ISO: 640
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.