Entrance into the harbour of Rio de Janeiro 1828

Richard Parkes Bonington's "Entrance into the harbour of Rio de Janeiro" (1828) captures a dramatic seascape with a fleet of ships entering the harbor of Rio de Janeiro. The artist, known for his romantic seascapes, uses bold brushstrokes and a muted palette to depict the ships battling the choppy waves, a storm cloud looming overhead, and the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. Bonington's focus on the movement of the sea and the ships, combined with the dramatic sky, exemplifies the romantic sensibility of the 19th century. This painting, completed just months before Bonington's untimely death at the age of 25, serves as a testament to his artistic talent and his fascination with the sea.