11505 Nicolas Ozanne (1728–1811) – Ship Construction and Launching – Engraving (1764)
"9. Saisines du Berceau. 10. Lancement du Vaisseau à la mer." This engraving illustrates two pivotal moments in the completion of a naval vessel in the eighteenth century. On the left, a large wooden ship is shown secured in its cradle with heavy ropes or lashings, known as saisines, while workers finalize the hull preparations. On the right, the composition captures the dramatic launching of a massive warship, shown sliding into the water amid plumes of spray and celebrated by figures on the shore and in nearby small boats. This work was published in Paris as part of a series documenting French maritime engineering and dockyard operations. The plate serves as a significant historical record of the mechanical processes and social spectacle surrounding the naval power of the Enlightenment era.
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.
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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