Technique

MacDonald commented,

'The paint is as thin as varnish, revealing the grey priming. Each vigorous brush-stroke depicts a strake of the boat or nets, or a furled sail, It was probably painted in a single session, to catch a fleeting impression.' 1

Conservation History

The left and right edges are almost bare of paint, and slightly abraded. It is likely that the panel was inserted in a box, held by slats of wood, either for security when it was being painted, or afterwards, to allow it to dry.