De haven van Civitavecchia Possibly 1779

Jean Grandjean created this watercolor of the harbor of Civitavecchia in the late 18th century. The technique itself is important, using water-based pigments to capture a serene view of labor and trade. Watercolors have a particular relationship to immediacy. Unlike oil paints, which allow for layers and corrections, watercolors require a more direct approach. The artist delicately applies thin washes of color, building up tones and textures with careful control. This sense of immediacy lends itself well to the subject of the painting. It's not about the meticulous depiction of individual details, but rather about capturing a broader scene: the rhythm of the working harbor and its architecture. The use of watercolor in "De haven van Civitavecchia" reminds us that materials and processes are never neutral. They actively shape our perception and understanding, connecting the artwork to a network of cultural values.