11503 Nicolas Ozanne (1728–1811) – Ship Construction and Careening in a Harbor – Engraving (1764)
"Chauffage pour la carenne. Construction du Berceau Selon lusage de Brest." This engraving illustrates two critical maritime activities of the eighteenth century. On the right, the massive hull of a wooden ship is shown under construction, supported by a timber structure known as a cradle, or berceau, as practiced in the naval port of Brest. Figures are depicted working on various levels of the scaffolding and the deck. On the left, in the foreground, sailors are engaged in the heating process required for careening, while a plume of smoke rises against a backdrop of coastal fortifications and a distant lighthouse. The middle ground features several masted vessels anchored in the harbor under a dramatic, clouded sky. This work was published in Paris as part of a series documenting French naval architecture and maritime maneuvers.
Nicolas Ozanne was a distinguished French naval engineer, artist, and cartographer who served as the official designer to the Navy under King Louis XV. Born into a family of artists in Brest, he combined his profound technical knowledge of ship construction with exceptional draftsmanship to produce some of the most accurate maritime illustrations of his time. His work was instrumental in the education of naval officers and was highly regarded for its precision in depicting rigging, hull design, and dockyard operations. Ozanne's engravings were frequently used in official naval publications and atlases, serving as both scientific documents and artistic celebrations of French maritime power. His legacy is defined by his contribution to the development of naval architecture and his detailed visual recording of the golden age of sail.
Artist or Maker: Nicolas Ozanne.
Dimensions: Approximately 38 cm x 25 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1764.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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