Koraalvissers voor de kust van Sicilië ter hoogte van Terra Nuova 1778

Louis Ducros created this watercolor of coral fishers off the coast of Sicily at Terra Nuova. Notice how the composition is structured around the horizontal expanse of the sea, punctuated by the vertical masts of the fishing boats. The colour palette is restrained, dominated by muted blues and greys that evoke a sense of calm. Ducros uses line and form to guide our eyes across the scene. The gentle curves of the waves contrast with the straight lines of the boats, creating a dynamic visual rhythm. The size and placement of the boats are carefully orchestrated to suggest depth and distance. The act of fishing here becomes a sign, a visual code that speaks to human labour, and our relationship with the natural world. But Ducros goes beyond mere documentation; he invites us to contemplate how we perceive space and how we assign meaning to our surroundings. This artwork destabilizes the conventional picturesque landscape, encouraging us to consider the broader cultural and philosophical implications of what we see.