Image size of this print is 24 X 32

SEASCAPE by Thomas Moran (American 1837-1926) Brooklyn Museum, N.Y.

Born in the city of Bolton, Lancashire, England on 12 January 1837, Thomas Moran was destined to become one of America's greatest landscape artists. He and his family sailed from Liverpool, England in April 1844 to America. Thomas Moran Sr., a weaver by trade, settled the family in Philadelphia, one of the textile centers of the country.

Thomas showed an early interest in art, and at the age of 15 he sought employment in an engraver's shop, the chosen occupation of young aspiring artist of that day. Never really mastering the engravers trade, his drawings drew the attention of his employer. Noting the quality of his work, he was kept busy sketching designs on the engraver's blocks for others to engrave. Moran began to spend his spare time doing watercolors and drawing, which he easily sold for $10 to $15 apiece.

In 1856, Tom and his brother Edward, who was also an aspiring painter, rented a studio in Philadelphia. There, they could study and apply their craft full time. Thomas was to show a growing interest in the works of H.M.W. Turner (1775-1851), an English painter of note. His early works reflected much of the style of Turner.