Incendie d'un port 1769

Anne Philiberte Coulet created 'Incendie d'un port,' or 'Port Fire,' in the 18th century, using engraving to capture a dramatic scene. The print's composition is structured around a strong contrast between light and shadow, drawing the eye from the dark foreground to the burning port in the distance. Coulet skillfully uses line and texture to create depth and convey the chaos of the scene. Notice how the sharp, precise lines in the foreground gradually dissolve into softer, more ambiguous forms in the smoke-filled sky. This blurring effect adds to the sense of disorientation and danger. There is a dialogue between order and chaos. The structured architectural elements on the left are juxtaposed with the disorder of the fire, reflecting broader philosophical concerns with nature and the sublime. The print invites us to contemplate how meaning is constructed through visual contrasts, challenging any fixed interpretation.