Artist: Richard Brent Malone
Title: Study of a Knotted Ships Sail
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Edition: Original, one of a kind
Artwork Dimensions: 43cm x 54cm (17" x 21.5")
Frame Dimensions: 61cm x 74cm (24" x 29")
Condition: Image: Good. Frame: Signs of age, gap in corner, dents and marks etc. See photos.
About the artwork
This very rare charcoal drawing by Richard Brent Malone presents a striking study of a knotted ship’s sail, suspended and entangled in a complex web of ropes, pulleys, and metal hardware. Rendered with meticulous realism, the composition captures the tension and weight of the fabric as it twists and folds under strain—its weathered texture evoking both the physical labour of seafaring and the poetic symbolism of entrapment and resilience. The muted blue backdrop contrasts with the earthy tones of the sail and rigging, heightening the drama of the suspended form. Though Malone is best known for his vibrant depictions of Bahamian culture, this monochromatic work reveals his technical mastery and his ability to imbue even utilitarian subjects with emotional depth and narrative intrigue. It may have served as a meditative study or conceptual exploration, offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s quieter, more introspective practice.
About the Artist
Richard Brent Malone (1941–2004) was a pioneering Bahamian artist celebrated for his mastery of photorealism and his vibrant depictions of Junkanoo, the Bahamas’ iconic street festival. Often hailed as the father of Bahamian art, Malone was the first Bahamian to earn an ‘A’ Level in Art and pursue formal training abroad, studying at Beckenham School of Art and Ravensbourne College in England. He began his career in pottery, apprenticing at the Bahamian branch of Chelsea Pottery, before transitioning into painting and gallery curation. His work is distinguished by its meticulous technique, cultural symbolism, and deep engagement with Bahamian identity. Malone also played a vital role in shaping the local art scene, founding influential galleries such as the Loft Gallery and Temple Gallery, which nurtured generations of Bahamian artists
