The Boat Being Launched – Engraving After A Painting By Joseph Vernet, By Marie-rosalie Bertaud – 18th Century

An important black-and-white engraving titled *La Barque mise à flot* (*The Boat Launched*), created by Marie-Rosalie Bertaud (1738–1798) based on a composition by the famous marine painter Claude-Joseph Vernet (1714–1789).

The composition, presented in an oval medallion, depicts a seascape enlivened by several figures on a rocky shore.

In the foreground, a fisherman sitting on the rocks holds a long fishing rod, while two women accompanied by a child watch the scene. On the left, several men are busy launching a boat.

In the background, an imposing cliff topped by a tower dominates the landscape, while a sailboat sails offshore.

The rendering of the rock formations, the play of light, and the delicacy of the figures attest to the quality of this composition, characteristic of Joseph Vernet’s work.

The lower part of the engraving bears the inscriptions “J. Vernet Pinx.” and “Mlle Rle Bertaud Sculp.,” identifying, respectively, the painter of the original composition and the engraver.

It also features a dedication to Monsieur de Montullé, a State Councilor and secretary to the Dauphine, accompanied by his coat of arms framed by two lions.

This print, whose original engraving dates back to the 18th century, was conceived as a companion piece to *The Pierced Rock*, also engraved by Marie-Rosalie Bertaud after a painting by Joseph Vernet.

Both works feature an identical oval frame and depict complementary maritime compositions, characteristic of the 18th-century taste for lively landscapes and scenes of daily life.

Etching and burin engraving, mounted under glass in a frame with a gilded mold and a wide, light-colored mat.

Some foxing and slight signs of age. A thin, light vertical line is also visible in the lower part of the composition; its nature remains to be determined. Appears to be in good overall condition, subject to examination without the frame.
The frame’s gilding is tarnished.

Shipped via carrier between two wooden boards: 80 euros within France, 150 euros within the EU, and 300 euros to the rest of the world.
We have a second engraving, a companion piece, for sale in our gallery.