Hastings, East Sussex

The seaside town of Hastings on the East Sussex coast provides the setting for this coastal view from around 1818 at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Hastings was a frequent destination for artists drawn by its dramatic combination of coastal scenery, fishing community, and historic interest as the site of the 1066 battle. Collins's Hastings subjects join a tradition of artistic engagement with the town that includes Turner and numerous Victorian painters.

Collins captures the specific character of the Hastings coastline—its distinctive cliffs, beach, and fishing boats—with topographic attentiveness. The composition balances the town's architectural elements with the natural features of the coast. The palette reflects the particular quality of light along the Sussex coast.