Views of Europe · 18th century
€ 620
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
In good condition with a clear, strong impression. Some light toning and minor handling wear to the margins consistent with age. Plate mark visible, full sheet preserved.
View of the Harbor and City of Cannes – Engraving by Dubois after Courvoisier, 1784
This fine 18th-century engraving titled “Vue de la Rade et de la Ville de Cannes” (View of the Harbor and City of Cannes) was drawn by Courvoisier and engraved by Dubois, published in Paris by Mondhare et Jean in 1784. It offers one of the earliest known views of the port and town of Cannes, long before it became the famous resort city of the French Riviera.
The composition presents a panoramic view of the harbor with large French sailing ships anchored close to shore, their rigging and flags rendered with exceptional precision. To the left, lively figures populate the quay: a couple strolls arm in arm, a sailor kneels by the water’s edge, and a merchant woman tends her stall under a striped canopy. Behind them, the fortified town of Cannes rises on a hill, recognizable by the medieval tower and church of Le Suquet, which still dominate the old city today. The artist combines careful architectural detail with naturalistic touches in the sea and sky, capturing the tranquil yet industrious character of the port.
This engraving reflects the transitional period when Cannes was a small coastal town devoted to fishing and trade, long before the era of tourism and grand villas. The work’s fine linework and tonal shading showcase the engraver’s technical mastery, with soft gradations creating atmospheric depth. The publisher, Mondhare et Jean, was among the most prominent Parisian print dealers of the late 18th century, known for producing large-scale architectural and topographical views of French cities.
Condition report:
In good condition with a clear, strong impression. Some light toning and minor handling wear to the margins consistent with age. Plate mark visible, full sheet preserved.
Framing tips:
A simple gilt or dark walnut frame with a warm ivory mat complements the print’s classical tone and emphasizes the marine detailing. Floating the sheet in the frame allows the plate mark and inscriptions to remain visible.
Technique: Line engraving
Maker: Dubois (engraver) after Courvoisier (artist), published by Mondhare et Jean, Paris, 1784
