A Seaport
Artist: Charles-François de Lacroix (French, 1700 - 1782)
Original Dimensions: 38 1/4" x 52 3/4"
Location: National Gallery of Art, London
About Artwork: (About 1760) "This scene is set in an imaginary Mediterranean port facing south into a gentle breeze that scarcely ruffles the sea. The sun is nearly setting, tingeing the clouds with a hazy peachy light. A gentleman and two finely dressed ladies are standing on the harbour, which is also peopled with turbaned sailors and merchants. The scene, typical of Vernet and his followers, is a composite of elements taken from other paintings. Since the lighthouse, the fortification and the jetty appear in many of Vernet’s compositions throughout his career, it is not surprising that this painting was bought and for many years displayed as an authentic work by him. It is now believed to be by Charles-François de Lacroix, although he was not the only artist working in Vernet’s style. Stylistically the warm tones of this painting, the soft contrasts of light and relatively loose brushwork all suggest that Lacroix painted it about 1760." - (National Gallery of Art, London)

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