Row of Boats c. 19th century

Henri-Charles Guérard created this print, “Row of Boats,” using etching and aquatint. The harbor scene evokes France’s evolving relationship to industry and leisure. In the late 19th century, rapid industrialization transformed port cities, making them hubs of commerce but also sites of social tension. The image creates meaning through its hazy, dreamlike quality, contrasting with the sharp, angular lines of the ships’ masts. The overall effect suggests a tension between the romantic vision of the sea and the realities of maritime industry. France in this period experienced significant social stratification; the print could be seen as subtly commenting on these social structures, where maritime activities were central to both economic prosperity and social inequality. To fully understand this print, historians might consult shipping records, social commentaries from the period, and critical writings on French art and industry. This work shows us that art is always embedded in—and often comments on—the social and institutional contexts of its time.