Coastal Breakers by Alfred Thompson Bricher

Coastal Breakers
Alfred Thompson Bricher (1837–1908)
Watercolor and gouache on paper, 14 × 9 7/8 in.
Signed lower left: A.T. Bricher

Waves roll gently toward the shore, catching the sunlight in a shimmering play of blues and greens, while a distant sailboat drifts across the calm horizon. In the foreground, water swirls around rocks tinged with sea spray, grounding the scene in motion and texture. Bricher’s delicate brushwork and luminous palette reflect his mastery of maritime watercolor, capturing both the serenity and energy of the sea.

A leading figure in the second generation of the Hudson River School, Alfred Thompson Bricher was known for his luminous coastal landscapes and marine scenes. Working primarily in watercolor and gouache later in life, he became a pioneer of American Luminism—an artistic movement defined by careful attention to light, atmosphere, and reflection. Bricher’s seascapes are prized for their balance of precise detail and poetic stillness.