Small Harbor Beneath Cliffs n.d.

Claude-Joseph Vernet's "Small Harbor Beneath Cliffs" is a delicate pen and wash drawing depicting a serene harbor scene. The artist, a leading figure in 18th-century French landscape painting, captures the tranquility of the harbor with masterful strokes. The composition features a small harbor nestled beneath towering cliffs, with a few figures and a small dog in the foreground, adding a sense of scale and human presence to the landscape. The soft, atmospheric rendering of the sky and water contributes to the peaceful ambiance, highlighting Vernet's expertise in capturing light and shadow. This drawing showcases his ability to create a sense of realism and evoke emotion in his subjects. The artwork, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, serves as a testament to Vernet's enduring legacy as a master of landscape art.