Catching the Light: The Art and Life of Henry Scott Tuke

Henry Scott Tuke (1858-1929) is remembered today as a master painter of the human figure, exemplified both by his early narrative paintings and by his portrayal of the male nude. In his out-of-doors ‘studio’ on secluded Newporth beach near Falmouth he captured in paint the passing beauty of male youth. His skill in depicting the sunlight reflecting off the sea and the life model is unrivalled and led him to be described as a British Impressionist.

In addition, however, Tuke was a successful society portraitist and an outstanding marine artist. A sailor himself, he loved the sea and boats. He revelled in portraying the large ocean-going sailing ships in the final decades of sail.

A Royal Academician, Tuke was a prolific painter both in oils and watercolours. He was also a man of broad interests, an amiable person with a ‘gentle loveable nature’.   Fine.