Departure for Fishing – Engraving after Claude Joseph Vernet - 18" x 24½"

This is an antique French engraving, likely a later reproduction of an 18th-century work, by the celebrated engraver Jacques Philippe Le Bas (1707–1783), after an original painting by Claude Joseph Vernet (1714–1789), renowned for his evocative seaport views. Executed in finely detailed black-and-white line engraving, the composition depicts a dramatic coastal scene with fishermen, rocky cliffs, and a sailing vessel at sea. A visible vertical crease runs through the center, a trace of its folding in the past, adding to the authenticity and historic character of the piece. It is presented in a richly carved and gilded 19th-century wooden frame with ornate floral and foliate corner motifs, its gilding softened with age and its carving marked by small cracks and losses, which blend harmoniously with the overall patina and period charm.

The engraving reflects the Rococo-era fascination with maritime themes and picturesque landscapes, a genre in which Vernet excelled. His paintings captured the interplay of man, nature, and the sea, often commissioned by patrons eager to celebrate commerce, travel, and the romance of the coastline. Le Bas, a master engraver of his time, translated Vernet’s painterly drama into meticulous linework, preserving both the atmospheric grandeur and the smallest details. Titled “Départ pour la Pêche” (Departure for Fishing), the print was commissioned for Monsieur Ferrand, cousin to Madame de Pompadour, who held the position of Fermier Général from 1751 to 1761. As tax collectors, Fermiers Généraux were powerful financiers in pre-Revolutionary France, often amassing considerable wealth and influence. This distinguished provenance adds historical depth and prestige to the work. An example is held in the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in Geneva, underscoring its artistic and historical significance.

With its refined monochrome palette, elegant proportions, and opulent gilt frame, this piece adds sophistication and a sense of history to both traditional and contemporary interiors. Whether placed above a mantel, paired with antique maritime instruments, or included in a gallery wall of seascapes, it creates a striking focal point that captures the romance of 18th-century European artistry and the timeless allure of the sea.