Tuna Fishing at Sunrise off the Coast near Marseilles c. 1860s

Félix Ziem captured this scene of Tuna Fishing at Sunrise off the Coast near Marseilles with watercolor. The hazy atmosphere and soft color palette create a dreamlike quality, immediately drawing us into a serene morning at sea. Ziem masterfully uses light to structure the composition. The sunrise, a diffuse circle, acts as a focal point. Its gentle glow permeates the sky and reflects on the water, dissolving the horizon line and creating a sense of infinite space. Notice how the fishing boats, rendered with loose brushstrokes, are positioned as dark silhouettes against the luminous backdrop. This contrast highlights their presence and purpose within the vastness of the sea. The use of watercolor lends itself to fluidity and transparency, mirroring the subject matter. The delicate washes of color suggest movement and ephemerality, reminding us of the transient nature of both the sunrise and the fishing activity. Through these formal qualities, Ziem captures not just a scene, but also a feeling—a fleeting moment of harmony between man and nature.