Artwork
Conflagration in the Port of Bordeaux
Conflagration in the Port of Bordeaux is a print by the Impressionist artist Maxime Lalanne. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Smoke swirls thickly above the docks, where buildings and warehouses glow faintly orange.
This print shows a chaotic night scene at a harbor. Ships are burning, their flames reflected in dark water. Smoke swirls thickly above the docks, where buildings and warehouses glow faintly orange.
The artist used fine, tangled lines to show the fire’s movement and panic. The title at the bottom confirms it’s a real disaster from 1869.
Next, look up Realism to see how artists like this one recorded everyday drama.
Overview
Conflagration in the Port of Bordeaux is an 1869 print by French artist Maxime Lalanne, depicting a nighttime maritime disaster. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a chaotic scene of a harbor fire, with burning ships, smoke-filled skies, and glowing warehouses, conveying the intensity and panic of a real historical event.
Technique & Style
Lalanne employed intricate, tangled lines to evoke the dynamic movement of flames and smoke, characteristic of his detailed etching style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1869, the print documents a specific, documented maritime disaster of that year. It is now held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Context
The work aligns with the Realist movement, which focused on depicting everyday life and dramatic events with accuracy and immediacy, often highlighting the struggles and dangers of modern life.
Artist & collection
Artist
François Antoine Maxime Lalanne (November 27, 1827 – July 29, 1886) was a French artist known for his etchings and charcoal drawings (fusain).
