T. Matherson, On the Cornish Coast

T. Matherson is known only through his signature. Coastal watercolours of Cornwall and Devon under this name appear regularly at auction, with titles such as ‘Off the Lizard’, ‘Off Newquay’ and ‘Off Torquay’. No biographical record has been found, and the name may be a pseudonym.

A rocky headland, softened with grass and gorse, falls to the sea at left. Surf breaks white over the rocks below. Out on the calm water a man rows a small boat, gulls wheel overhead and a sailing boat lies on the horizon. A further headland fades into warm, hazy light.

Watercolour heightened with white. Signed lower right ‘T. Matherson’. The gilt mount is ruled in black and inscribed ‘T. Matherson.’ and ‘On the Cornish Coast.’ In a gilt frame with moulded flower-heads at the corners.