Fishing Boats Tossed before a Storm

Fishing Boats Tossed before a Storm

Eugène Isabey

1840

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows three small boats fighting rough waves in a stormy sea. The water is choppy, with whitecaps crashing around the vessels. The sky above is dramatic, with thick clouds and patches of light breaking through. People in the boats are leaning hard, trying to steer or bail water. Notice how the artist used light to show the storm’s intensity—some areas glow, while others stay dark. The boats look fragile against the wild sea. Next, check out watercolor, glazing to see how artists build depth with layers of translucent paint.

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