Ruhige See mit vielen Schiffen, links ein Boot mit zwei Mann, rechts am Ufer sitzt ein Matrose auf einem Korb, ein anderer steht vor ihm 

Hendrik Kobell made this watercolor drawing, *Calm Sea with Many Ships*, sometime in the late 18th century. The eye is immediately drawn to the array of ships that populate the tranquil sea, their forms and placement meticulously arranged to create a balanced yet dynamic composition. Kobell employs a subdued palette, dominated by soft grays, blues, and browns, evoking a sense of calm. The artist uses color to create depth and distance, with lighter tones suggesting objects further away and a play of light and shadow that animates the scene. The brushwork is delicate, rendering fine details such as the rigging of the ships and the reflections on the water’s surface. Kobell organizes this aqueous environment by positioning the vessels to direct the gaze across the scene. Through the use of line, light, and delicate application of watercolor, the artwork encourages contemplative reflection on the relationship between humanity and the natural world.