Different Aspects of Submarines Eric Ravilious (1903-1942)

The composition presents a layered depiction of submarines, seemingly suspended within a stylized aquatic environment. The artist employs a limited palette dominated by blues and greens, punctuated by stark white highlights and touches of yellow. This color scheme contributes to a sense of cool detachment and technological precision.
Here we see three distinct submarine forms arranged in a hierarchical manner. A larger vessel occupies the upper portion of the frame, its form simplified into geometric planes. Below it, another submarine is positioned at an oblique angle, with the number 54 prominently displayed on its hull. The foreground is dominated by a close-up view of a third submarine’s bow, revealing propeller details rendered with meticulous detail.
The artist utilizes crosshatching and linear patterns to suggest both water movement and the metallic surfaces of the vessels. These lines create a sense of depth and texture while also contributing to an overall feeling of mechanical complexity. The sky is represented by a series of horizontal bands, transitioning from a lighter hue at the top to a darker shade towards the horizon line. This creates a visual separation between the water and the atmosphere.
The arrangement of the submarines suggests a progression or evolution – perhaps illustrating different stages in design or deployment. The number 54 could signify a specific vessel within a fleet, adding a layer of documentary realism to the otherwise stylized representation.
Subtly, the work conveys an impression of technological power and potential isolation. The lack of human figures reinforces this sense of detachment; the submarines are presented as autonomous entities operating in a vast, impersonal environment. The composition’s formal structure – the layering, the geometric shapes, the limited color range – all contribute to a feeling of controlled precision that underscores the subject matters association with military technology and strategic operations.