I visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art with my family in December 2003. In one of the galleries I was spellbound by a painting. The scene was dusk with the outline of masted ships to the left, street in the center, and row homes on the right. It was raining. The row homes were built upon cafes, their warm light glowing and reflected in the wet street.

It was oil on canvas but resembled a photograph. It was vivid, detailed, real. I noted the artist and the work and sought to find a print for purchase. Scouring the net presented nothing and my inquiry to the museum was replied as such:

Unfortunately, I am unable to provide photographic images or release permission for this work. The Grimshaw is actually on loan to the Museum, and is not part of the permanent collection. The lender wishes to remain anonymous, and has not granted permission to release any photography of the work.

The artist in question is John Atkinson Grimshaw, born and lived in Engalnd during the latter half of the 1800s. A recent search netted quite a number of prints for purchase. His body of work includes people, landscapes, and fairies but it’s those near dark images which are genius.

That first painting that caught my eye, titled London Wharf at Night with Carriages or London Wharf at Sunset is not to be found, still traveling the world by way of an anonymous lender.

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