San Pedro Harbor
Artist
Emil Kosa Jr.
(1903 - 1968)
Date1930s
MediumWatercolor on paper
Dimensions13 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. (34.3 x 49.5 cm)
Framed (Frame is gold, wired, glazed): 23 3/4 x 29 x 1/2 in. (60.3 x 73.7 x 1.3 cm)
Framed (Frame is gold, wired, glazed): 23 3/4 x 29 x 1/2 in. (60.3 x 73.7 x 1.3 cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineThe Sally and David Martin Collection
Object number2026.032
DescriptionIn the 1930s the Terminal Island section of San Pedro was a Japanese fishing village. To facilitate the processing of fish, some interesting-looking rigs were devised to unload the catches. That was especially true for the tuna and sardine canning operations, which handled large volumes of fish. The world’s canned tuna industry began in San Pedro, and specifically on Terminal Island. Formerly tuna was of little interest, until pioneer fish canners in San Pedro began marketing it as a viable and cheap food that could be a substitute for chicken. In fact, “Chicken of the Sea” became a well-known brand.
Artist Emil Kosa Jr. enjoyed painting watercolors on location while viewing such scenes, and was especially interested in the industrial operations. During the 1930s and 1940s he spent quite a lot of time on Terminal Island and in other sections of San Pedro that he found interesting.
San Pedro also had a long history dating back to when Mission San Gabriel was a main source for hides, wine, fur and other trade items for commerce with ships from all over that would dock there. Kosa was a history buff, and artists and often chose to paint places where significant historical events took place.
This painting is a well-designed and beautifully painted transparent watercolor depiction of an everyday scene on Terminal Island. The Martins said they were interested in adding this to their collection because it has a narrative (storytelling) aspect, and especially because it includes well-painted figures that appear to be talking some sort of business. In addition, the somewhat muted color palette seems to reflect the look and feel of a somewhat overcast or foggy coastline day.
– Gordon McClelland, curator
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