Storm

Art Historical Context

Joseph Vernet (1714–1789), a celebrated French marine painter, created this evocative gouache titled *Storm* on gray paper. Known for his dramatic seascapes, Vernet specialized in capturing the power of nature at sea, often contrasting turbulent skies and waves with fragile vessels. The use of gouache—an opaque watercolor medium—on toned paper allowed him to achieve rich contrasts and luminous effects, heightening the sense of movement and atmosphere in this compact yet dynamic composition measuring roughly 14 by 25 inches. The scene depicts ships battling fierce winds and waves, a subject that resonated deeply in 18th-century Europe amid expanding maritime trade and naval power. Vernet’s works frequently explored humanity’s vulnerability to natural forces, blending precise observation of ships and rigging with romantic expressiveness. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum through the Rogers Fund in 1907, this drawing exemplifies his technical skill in the Drawings and Prints collection and offers visitors a vivid window into the era’s fascination with the sublime.