Cheri Dubreuil 1828 1880 Steamer At Sea Under The Moon

Chéri Dubreuil (1828-circa 1880)
Vapeurat sea under the moon, 1855
Official painter of the navy

In this remarkable nocturnal marine, ChériDubreuil captures with rare sensitivity the appearance of a transoceanic steamerthe appearance of a transoceanic steamer splitting a troubled seaof the moon. The ship's dark silhouette, highlighted by the luminous foamhull, stands out against a cloud-laden horizon.cloud-laden horizon.

As a former sailor, Dubreuil excelled at depictingof the ships of his time. The precision of the riggingchimneys and naval architecture testifies to a perfect knowledgeknowledge of the maritime innovations of the mid-19ᵉ century.Here, the artist combines the documentary rigor of ship portraiture with a truly romantic vision of the sea.a truly romantic vision of the sea.

The palette, dominated by deep blues, pearly greyspearly grays and luminous accents of foam, lends a mysteriousa mysterious, poetic atmosphere. The vast night skyand the moving sea contribute to the impression of silent grandeursilent grandeur that characterizes the painter's best work.painter