Falmouth Harbour, 13 July 1883

Falmouth Harbour, 13 July 1883, in the National Trust, is one of the most precisely dated of Brett's coastal works — the specific date in the title is characteristic of his later practice of noting the exact observation date, treating his paintings almost as scientific field records. Falmouth in Cornwall was one of Britain's most important natural harbours, a deep-water anchorage used by ocean-going vessels and a significant point where Atlantic maritime activity could be observed. Brett was using his yacht as a studio during this period and could access harbour anchorages as well as open coastline. The dated title suggests he may have been responding to a specific day's weather and light conditions, capturing a meteorological moment as well as a geographical location.

The specific date in the title implies a concern with the exact quality of a particular day's light and atmosphere, and Brett's palette likely reflects the actual weather conditions of July 13, 1883, rather than a generalised summer harbour scene. The treatment of the harbour's deep water — dark, clear, and relatively still — differs from his coastal sea handling.