Lot 148: Thomas Bush Hardy (British, 1842-1897) A Pair of Marine Watercolors Dated 1884

A pair of late 19th-century marine watercolors on paper. The first work depicts a coastal scene at low tide, featuring several figures in Victorian-era dress gathered on a sandy beach near a stone harbor wall. The composition includes fishing vessels with distinctive red sails moored in shallow water, with other sailing craft visible on the horizon under an atmospheric, overcast sky. The second watercolor shows a more turbulent sea state, with small red-sailed fishing boats navigating choppy waters in the foreground alongside a larger three-masted sailing ship. A substantial stone pier or breakwater stands to the right, with a group of figures observing from its upper level. Both works demonstrate a traditional British maritime style, utilizing layered transparent washes to convey atmospheric perspective and the movement of water. Each piece is signed and dated by the artist. The harbor wall scene is signed T. B. Hardy 1884 in black paint to the lower-left corner. The sea scene is signed T. B. Hardy 1884 in reddish-brown paint to the lower-left corner. The watercolors are housed in matching dark wood frames with visible grain and white bevelled mounts.