Low Tide at Cancale Harbor

Low Tide at Cancale Harbor

John Singer Sargent

1890

oil

From the collection of Museum of Fine Arts Boston

About this work

This painting depicts a serene harbor scene, with a large sailboat dominating the left side of the canvas. The boat's white sail is raised, and its hull is visible as it faces the viewer. In the foreground, a figure in a white shirt and hat is leaning against the boat, looking out at the harbor. The harbor is filled with several smaller boats, some of which are anchored in the water. The sky above is cloudy, with a few patches of blue visible through the clouds. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of calmness and tranquility. The artist's use of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the scene, creating a sense of realism. If you're interested in learning more about this style of painting, you might want to explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

More by John Singer Sargent

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app