Title: Mediterranean Port

Artist: Claude-Joseph

Title: A Calm at a Mediterranean Port Date: 1770 Artist: Claude-Joseph Vernet (French, Avignon 1714–Paris 1789) Medium: Oil on canvas Description Vernet described this painting as "a seaport morning with many figures, edifice, and maritime buildings as wanted." While Vernet's amanuensis (assistant) was at the port and fishermen prepare their daily activities, a Dutch man-of-war is peacefully moored in the bay. Vernet's balanced composition, warm palette, and controlled brushwork suggest a harmony between man and nature. Together, A Calm and A Storm (the companion) hanging nearby—reflect both classicism as well as sensitive reaction to nature's diverse effects on emotion.