Marine paintings

 

The history ofmarine painting dates back to prehistoric times when boats were depicted on walls, and later on containers during ancient Greece. During the Middle Ages, the sea appeared in paintings primarily as part of religious narratives, so it wasn't recognized as a distinct artistic genre.

It wasn't until the 16th century that Flemish painters began to elevate this genre. Panoramic views of vast bodies of water started to emerge, with ships featuring prominently, their large white sails filling the sea.
However, it was the Dutch 17th century that is considered the golden age of nautical painting. This period produced numerous and impressive depictions of naval battles, serene river scenes, and the tragic stories of famous shipwrecks. The 18th century continued this tradition, marked by significant military actions. In Venice, however, scenes of peaceful canals and gondolas were also popular.

In the 19th century, the genre evolved with the schools of its time. Impressionists blurred the landscape, romantics brought a touch of mysticism to the water, and beach scenes also appeared.

The artists alternated successively between dark, troubled representations of the sea and calm, serene representations of the sea. While the 20th century saw a decline in the genre's prestige, marine views remained significant, and many modern and contemporary artists continue to depict the sea in their work.

 

The most famous marine painters emerged between the 17th and 19th centuries. However, even before this period, we can think of Pieter Brueghel the elder, who painted the sea in addition to scenes of peasant life. Another key figure is the French painter Claude Gellée, known as the Lorrain, known for his port views, such as Port de mer au soleil couchant (1639).

In the same way, Canaletto is known for his panoramic marine views of Venice. Later, the French painter Claude Joseph Vernet is famous for his marine paintings. In England, William Turner became one of the genre's most celebrated figures.

The 19th century also had its leaders, such as Géricault and his famous Raft of the Medusa (1819), or Monet, thanks to the superb Impression, Sunrise (1872). On the other side of the globe, but no less famous, the iconic Great Wave of Kanagawa by Hokusai (1831), proves that the sea is an essential element in the painting of all times and all countries.

 

At Carré d'artistes, discover contemporary paintings of sea views and seascapes, by artists such as Eric Munsch, Franck Hébert, Bruno Klein, Nicole Ortis-Bommarito and others.