An Italianate Harbour Scene 

Claude-Joseph Vernet painted this “Italianate Harbour Scene” to appeal to the aesthetic sensibilities of 18th century Europe. Vernet was a master of the picturesque, an aesthetic ideal emphasizing the qualities of roughness, asymmetry, and the sublime, which were very fashionable at the time. Note the figures populating the foreground: the people animate the landscape, inviting the viewer to imagine themselves in the scene. The artist was celebrated for the realism he brought to his seascapes. The painting also speaks to the Grand Tour, a rite of passage for upper-class Europeans, and the rise of tourism. It reflects a growing interest in classical antiquity and the allure of Italy as a cultural destination. To further understand the social and economic context, one might consult travel journals, period literature, and historical records of maritime trade. These resources can enrich our appreciation, revealing how art is always embedded in its time.