A striking work which blends impressionism and realism into a early modern interpretation of Hayley Lever's unique style that is full of the echoed influence of Vincent Van Gogh. Within the colorful marine narrative work is the "yachting capital of America", Marblehead Harbor, resplendent with an array of cutters, sloops and catboats traversing the harbor. A sail-makers loft rises stories above the water, holding the eye over the high horizon.
The exceptional large harbor at Marblehead has attracted yachtsmen before the proliferation of yacht clubs established bases here in the 1880s, when the sport drew an appreciative growth in participants and spectators. The port city rose from a prominent fishing and shoe manufacturing community to one with elite summer residences for the wealthiest Americans and their yachts, and premier restaurants and hotels.
Showing his unique artistic style, Hayley Lever made a sensational impact in New York City starting in 1911 with his interpretive Post-Impressionism of such aggressive impasto application, brushwork and daring coloration. His first decade featured scenes of Gloucester and Marblehead in spontaneous and bold interpretations. This is so apparent in this scene with its striking sea full of colorful sails in motion.
