Franse fregat La Félicité door een Engels fregat op het strand gejaagd, 1761 1761

Paulus Constantijn la Fargue created this print in 1761, depicting a French frigate run aground by an English ship. The scene is dominated by the grounded ship on the left, its sails askew, contrasting sharply with the dynamic crowd gathered on the beach. La Fargue masterfully uses line and form to articulate space. The detailed rendering of the figures, carriages, and ships creates a layered effect, pulling the viewer into the scene. Note how the horizon line is placed high, compressing the sky and focusing attention on the activity below. This compositional choice emphasizes the human drama unfolding on the shore. The print invites us to consider themes of power, observation, and the spectacle of maritime conflict. It's a study in contrasts—between the grounded, static ship and the bustling, curious crowd; between the precision of the ship's lines and the almost chaotic energy of the beachgoers. The work thus becomes a fascinating document of its time, capturing both the specifics of an event and the broader social dynamics at play.