18th century French Moonlit Harbour painting

Large 18th century French painting depicting a Moonlit Mediterranean harbour scene

This beautiful high quality painting was part of the collection of Count Bobrinskoy (Bobrinski). The family of Counts Bobrinski was an important noble family descending from the Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, holding important and strategic positions in the Empire. The provenance linking the painting to the collection of Counts Bobrinski, has also been documented by Mrs. Ingersoll-Smouse.

Claude Joseph Vernet, one of the most celebrated marine painters of the 18th century, gained widespread acclaim for his ability to blend realism with an almost poetic sense of atmosphere. His achievements were recognized at the highest levels, as he enjoyed the patronage of King Louis XV of France. The king commissioned Vernet to create a series of monumental seascapes known as “Les Ports de France”, intended to showcase the grandeur of the nation's naval power. These works not only solidified Vernet's status at the royal court but also placed him among the greatest painters of his era.

In this painting, the moon's silver light reflects on the tranquil waters, creating a quiet, contemplative mood. The calm sea mirrors the soft glow of the sky, while ships and figures fade into delicate silhouettes against the horizon. The scene evokes both peace and mystery, with the luminous night sky casting an otherworldly glow over the harbor.

The moonlit setting carries symbolic weight, highlighting the fleeting nature of time and the delicate balance between human life and the natural world. The harbor, a place of both refuge and departure, suggests deeper themes of life’s transience, especially under the timeless gaze of the moon. In this ethereal scene, Vernet’s artistry speaks not only to the beauty of nature but also to the enduring human experience, all while maintaining the grandeur that would have appealed to his royal patrons.

Dimensions:
The painting measures ca. 81*101 cms without frame and ca. 91*111cm with.