Sea Charts
€ 110
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition with even age-toning. Slight foxing in the margins and minor edge wear from previous binding. No tears or repairs. Strong impression with crisp detail and stable paper.
Rock Formations on the Canadian Coast – 19th Century Maritime Engraving
This dramatic 19th-century steel engraving captures the rugged grandeur of the Canadian coastline, where towering rock formations rise from the turbulent sea. Several jagged cliffs dominate the left side of the composition, their striated faces rendered in exquisite detail. In the distance, smaller rocky outcrops jut from the water, creating a maze-like seascape that is both majestic and perilous. In the foreground, small sailboats and rowboats navigate the choppy waves, while one ship appears wrecked against the rocks—a stark reminder of the danger posed by such a landscape.
This untitled scene was engraved by Lemaitre and published in France around 1850, part of a broader series of steel engravings documenting the natural wonders and cultural landmarks of Canada. While the exact location is not labeled, the composition is evocative of the Percé Rock area in Gaspé, Quebec, or the coastal cliffs of Newfoundland, both known for their massive rock structures and maritime lore. The image may also reflect European fascination with the sublime and the untamed in nature—key themes in Romantic-era landscape art.
The print is notable not only for its topographical interest but also for its emotional resonance. The interplay of light and shadow on the stone surfaces, the crashing waves, and the small human figures emphasize nature’s overwhelming scale and power. The sharpness of the lines and subtle tonal gradation are characteristic of the steel engraving process, which allowed for durability and high levels of detail—perfect for the intricate depiction of geological forms and sea spray.
Condition: Very good condition with even age-toning. Slight foxing in the margins and minor edge wear from previous binding. No tears or repairs. Strong impression with crisp detail and stable paper.
Framing tips: A strong landscape like this would suit a charcoal or dark brown wooden frame with a soft beige or stormy grey mat. Consider a wide mat border to emphasize the depth and grandeur of the composition.
Technique: Steel engraving
Maker: Lemaitre, France, c. 1850
