Artwork
Fire in the Port of Bordeaux
Fire 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
Overview
Created in 1869 by French draftsman Maxime Lalanne, *Fire in the Port of Bordeaux* is an ink print that captures a nocturnal harbor scene. The work belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed among the museum’s holdings of 19th‑century prints.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts Bordeaux’s waterfront after dark, with several vessels moored along the quay. In the distance a blaze erupts, casting an amber glow that illuminates nearby structures and ripples across the water, suggesting an emergency or industrial accident that disrupts the otherwise routine activity of the port.
Technique & Style
Lalanne employs a loose, gestural line that conveys both the architecture of the ships and the fleeting quality of light. The monochrome palette relies on contrasts of dense ink and delicate washes, allowing the flames to stand out against the night sky while preserving a sense of movement and immediacy.
History & Provenance
The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, reflecting the institution’s interest in French printmaking of the mid‑1800s. Its presence in the museum underscores Lalanne’s reputation as a leading etcher and charcoal artist of his generation.
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).
