Low Tide, Oporto

Curatorial Overview

“Starting in 1920, Peets was commissioned by the Hispanic Society of America to travel to Portugal and create art reflecting his experience. The society’s goal was to promote interest in Portuguese culture and tourism in the United States. After the commission ended, Peets continued to travel to Porto, the country’s second-largest city. Here, the artist depicts fishing folk gathering their boats around a series of steps that have been revealed by the low water level.”