Artists were attracted to Newport for the scenic beauty of the coastline and the promise of rich patrons. This exquisite study of sea and rocks anticipates the later works of William Trost Richards (1833–1905, see image), who frequently depicted the rocky coast of Newport and nearby Conanicut Island. Waves crash on the rocky shore, with carefully observed sea spray and seaweed visible through the translucent swells. The horizon is marked by a broad white highlight carrying distant sailing ships. The far distance is luminous and peaceful, in contrast to the turbulence in the foreground. It is a refreshingly naturalistic image of the ocean’s edge, and a suggestive metaphor for transcending life’s short term challenges to achieve final peace.