Harbor Scene, Marseilles
1873
Johan Barthold Jongkind, a crucial mentor to Monet and a forerunner of Impressionism, captures a breezy afternoon in Marseille in this loose, atmospheric sketch. Scribbled in the corner is the date '25 Sept 73,' alongside a note pointing to the famous 'Notre Dame de la Garde' basilica perched on the hill to the far right. The scene is bustling with tall-masted ships and tiny rowboats bobbing on the green water, all rendered with quick, confident strokes that prioritize the feeling of the light over perfect detail. It’s a perfect example of how Jongkind taught the Impressionists to really look at the sky and water.
- Technique
- Watercolor and graphite on paper
- Material
- Paper