Small Antique French Hand-Colored Engraving of the Port of Marseille - 12½" x 16¼"

This small antique hand-colored engraving, titled Le Port de Marseille, was engraved by Yves-Marie Le Gouaz after a drawing by Nicolas-Marie Ozanne (1728–1811), the noted French marine artist and naval engineer. The inscriptions “Ozanne del.” and “Le Gouaz Sculpt.” beneath the image identify Ozanne as the artist responsible for the original drawing and Le Gouaz as the engraver. The finely detailed view depicts the bustling Port of Marseille from the Citadel, animated by sailing ships, smaller boats, and figures along the waterfront, with delicate watercolor touches of blue, red, green, and ochre. The print is presented beneath glass in a giltwood frame, with a refined mount finely ruled in black ink and accented with gold. The paper has some foxing and age-related discoloration, contributing to its gently aged character. 

The composition belongs to Ozanne’s celebrated series of views of the ports of France, first produced in the late 18th century and later reissued, notably in an 1819 edition published by Nicolas Ponce, of which this impression is likely an example. These finely observed maritime views combined topographical detail with lively scenes of everyday port activity, documenting the character of France’s principal harbors. 

Its small scale, delicate coloring, and finely detailed maritime scene give the work an intimate quality that rewards close viewing. It would bring a subtle historical note to a study, hallway, or bedroom, or sit naturally within a gallery wall of antique maps, port views, and other maritime subjects. The hand-ruled black and gilt mount is an especially appealing detail, giving the modestly scaled engraving a more refined decorative presence.