Coast Guard

William Seltzer Rice

This is likely an image of a fishing spot along the eastern edge of the San Francisco Bay. It combines two of William Rice's most frequently depicted subjects: maritime vessels and native trees. Three fishing boats at anchor are seen just beyond a grand Coast Live Oak tree, its form both elegant and imposing - a "guard" of the California coastline.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Rice moved to the Bay Area at age 27 and remained there for the rest of his life. With regards to his imagery of California, depictions of the northwestern half of California dominated much of his output, from the Sierras to the sea. Special attention was paid to the rolling hills dotted with oaks as well as the fishing communities of each region.