18th Century Hand-Colored Engraving of the Old Port of Marseille - 22½" x 17"

A lively and finely detailed 18th-century hand-colored engraving titled Le Port de Marseilles. The composition presents an animated and evocative view of Marseille’s historic harbor, one of the great commercial centers of the Mediterranean. The scene is rich with activity, depicting dockworkers unloading goods, merchants in conversation, and elegantly dressed figures strolling along the quay. Ships of varying scale animate the harbor, creating a vivid sense of movement across the water. In the distance, the fortified entrance to the Old Port can be discerned, while the right side of the composition is anchored by an imposing neoclassical building, reflecting the prosperity and maritime ambition of the city under Louis XV.

Delicately hand-colored, the engraving is enlivened by soft yet luminous tones of blue, pink, and ochre, evoking the warmth of Mediterranean light. Published by Daumont, one of the most renowned Parisian print publishers of the period, such works were highly prized for their decorative appeal and their ability to transport viewers to celebrated destinations.

Presented in its original frame with period glass, which adds to its authenticity and historical appeal, this is a refined and evocative piece, ideal for adding a touch of French coastal history and classic charm to an interior.