Twee vissersschepen aan een houten havenhoofd waarop een man staat 1830 - 1881

Adolphe Mouilleron's pencil drawing presents us with two fishing boats moored at a wooden pier. The composition, rendered in monochrome, uses line and shading to create a sense of depth and texture. The strokes vary in intensity, giving life to the water and sky. Mouilleron’s approach highlights the structural elements: the vertical masts and the horizontal planks of the pier form a stark contrast, organizing the scene into distinct planes. Notice how the artist uses hatching to define the forms of the boats, giving them volume and weight. This technique is particularly effective in depicting the reflections on the water, creating an interplay between solid and fluid forms. The sketch emphasizes the relationship between human presence and the maritime environment, the pier functioning as a liminal space. Ultimately, this drawing captures the essence of a harbor scene, reducing it to its most fundamental geometric forms while preserving an evocative atmosphere. The work invites us to consider how such simple means can convey a complex sense of place and experience.