Morning Tide-Coast of Cornwall

Schofield’s experience serving in some of the bloodiest battles of World War I changed his demeanor and artistic outlook. He remained extroverted and social, but family members were aware of an inner sadness. With regard to his art, there was a decided shift in subject matter. He no longer painted industrial subjects, but focused primarily on landscapes devoid of signs of modernity. Morning Tide—Coast of Cornwall portrays the primordial forms of Cornwall’s dramatic rocky coast. Nature’s relentless rhythms, as viewed from atop a cliff, seem powerful and eternal, and there is no trace of human interference. 

A leading figure of American Impressionism, Schofield was born in Philadelphia. After briefly attending Swarthmore College, he worked as a cowboy in Texas, where ranch hands encouraged him to pursue art. He went on to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the Académie Julian in Paris, where he studied French Impressionism. In 1902 he settled in St. Ives, Cornwall, painting its rugged coasts and harbors while returning to Pennsylvania in the winters. 

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. We invite you to share your ideas, knowledge, and stories as they relate to the art in our collection. Contact us here.

Please note that work by this particular artist might not be on view when you visit.
Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.