GUSTAVE LE GREY EXHIBITION
Seascape with Cloud Study, 1856/1857, Albumen print from a collodion-on-glass negative, 29.2 x 40.3 cm, Acquired by the British Museum in 1857 and transferred to the V&A in 2000, Museum no. E.1339-2000
Despite its title, this image shows almost no sea and is more of a cloud study, concentrating upon the massive, billowing formations. In his writing, Le Gray set out a ‘theory of sacrifices’. This suggested that in a work of art detail could be sacrificed in the interests of the overall impression of light and shade. Here he illustrates that theory using the most ethereal subject matter.