Marine Harvest

Eurich's painting shows in moving detail the destructive force of the sea, as the broken remains of a small fishing vessel are buffeted against the jetty. The ironic title, Marine Harvest, reminds us that the 'harvest' from the sea, normally fish, can often be more sinister. Richard Eurich made many paintings of the sea, and his favourite themes were to set specific human events against the sea's eternal drama. In Marine Harvest each figure is involved in a separate struggle against the gale. The bell ringer is knocked off his feet by flying debris, while the figures in the foreground lean into the wind in their struggle to reach the wreckage. The sheer force of the elements would have made Marine Harvest impossible to paint on the spot. In such instances Eurich made quick notes and sketches to trigger his memory and give his finished works a great sense of accuracy and attention to detail. It is hard to believe that Eurich painted this scene from his imagination so strong is the feeling of reality.