The artwork, titled “Sea with ships,” was created by Caspar David Friedrich circa 1826. It resides in the Kupferstichkabinett Dresden in Dresden, Germany and belongs to the Romanticism art movement. This piece falls under the genre of ‘marina,’ which portrays maritime scenes and features.
The artwork depicts a tranquil sea with several ships gently floating, their sails either furled or fluttering in the still air. The central focus rests on two larger vessels, symmetrically positioned, their intricate masts and rigging meticulously rendered. This maritime scene exudes a calm elegance characteristic of Friedrich’s Romantic sensibility, inviting the viewer to contemplate the serene and boundless expanses of nature. The subtle gradations in shading suggest a misty, ethereal quality, enhancing the overall sense of tranquillity and introspection.