Eight Studies of Figures and a Ship at Sea 

Claude-Joseph Vernet was a renowned French painter of marine subjects and landscapes. This drawing features eight studies of figures and a ship at sea, likely created as preparatory work for a larger painting. Vernet’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the figures’ postures and clothing, showcasing the artist's keen interest in capturing the essence of maritime life. The simple lines and subtle shading contribute to the drawing's sense of realism, while the composition's balance and placement of figures suggest a harmonious relationship between human activity and the vastness of the ocean.