Clam Gatherers

This painting is identified in Julia Billings’ inventory as “Long Island Shore Near Little Neck – Clam Gatherers”. It calls to mind northern European shore scenes by artists of the Düsseldorf School, and by French realists such as Courbet and Millet. Scenes of traditional country labor in fields, forests, and seashores were characteristic of those artists. It is one of three works by Edward Moran, two oils and a large watercolor, acquired by Frederick and Julia Billings for the Mansion collection.

Edward Moran, the eldest of the four artist brothers of his family,was a marine and historical painter. He established himself in Philadelphia with his brother Thomas by 1857. In 1862 they both went to England for study. Edward made his headquarters in New York City after 1872. He was noted for his seascapes and for his American historical scenes.