A Riverside Caprice

This may be a view of Hull's waterfront looking east along the Humber bank towards the old harbour, treated with a degree of artistic licence. Dutch sailing craft occupy the foreground, in addition to two fishermen leaning against some bales, engaged in conversation. In this small but strong composition, Ward leads the eye into the picture by the careful positioning of the pier end and the angled mast cast in shadow on the left. The picture has a more romantic and imaginary quality than many of his commissioned ship portraits.