Signed and inscribed lower left: Theodore Wores / Honolulu

Isaacs Art Center, Waimea, Hawaii; Private collection, St. Helena, California.

Theodore Wores (American, 1858-1939) Diamond Head by Moonlight Oil on canvas 25 x 30 inches (63.5 x 76.2 cm) Signed and inscribed lower left: Theodore Wores / Honolulu PROVENANCE: Isaacs Art Center, Waimea, Hawaii; Private collection, St. Helena, California. Theodore Wores, an American artist renowned for his depictions of the Pacific and the Far East, brings a unique atmospheric quality to Diamond Head by Moonlight. Wores, deeply connected to Hawaii through his travels, fell in love with the islands' landscapes and cultural richness. His affinity for capturing the tropical beauty of the region is evident in many of his works, where he often portrayed the serene, untouched elements of nature, using them as a vehicle for emotional depth and reflection. Diamond Head by Moonlight is an exceptional example of Wores' talent for creating mood and atmosphere. In this nocturnal scene, he captures the iconic volcanic cone of Diamond Head, illuminated by the ethereal glow of moonlight. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow, coupled with the softly lit reflections on the water, creates a hauntingly peaceful yet enigmatic landscape. Wores masterfully uses subtle contrasts between the darkened silhouette of the mountain and the luminous highlights of the waves lapping at the shore, emphasizing the tranquility of the scene. The painting reveals Wores' profound understanding of color and light, particularly in his handling of the moonlit sky and the distant lights on the pier, which glow faintly against the deepening night. The clouds, softly illuminated by the moon, offer a sense of both stillness and depth, inviting the viewer into the scene's quiet intimacy. The delicate brushwork on the water, with its shimmering reflections, adds texture and movement, further enhancing the overall composition. Wores' connection to Hawaii not only informed his subject matter but also his approach to landscape painting. His frequent travels to the islands in the early 20th century allowed him to observe and capture the natural beauty of Hawaii's landscapes, offering viewers a serene yet profound interpretation of the region. In Diamond Head by Moonlight, he distills the island's mystique into a single, beautifully executed nocturne, blending naturalism with a quiet sense of wonder. This painting, with its skillful use of light and color, stands as a testament to Wores' ability to evoke both place and mood, creating a visual experience that resonates long after the viewer steps away. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

Lined canvas. Under UV exam, a few finely applied dots and dashes of retouching. The varnish layer fluoresces green under UV exam, Framed Dimensions 30 X 35 Inches