Barks Fleeing Before the Storm

Jules Dupré

Created:
Movement:
1870/75
Realism
key Notes:
Dramatic seascape, Atmospheric tension
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
56 × 84.8 cm (22 × 33 3/8 in.); Framed: 91.5 × 120.7 cm (36 × 47 1/2 in.)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"Barks Fleeing Before the Storm" is a notable work by French painter Jules Dupré, who was active during the 19th century. The painting exemplifies Dupré's mastery in landscape and marine painting, reflecting the Romantic movement's emphasis on nature's power and the sublime. Created in the mid-19th century, the artwork captures a dramatic maritime scene, depicting sailing vessels struggling against turbulent seas and ominous skies. Dupré's use of dynamic brushwork and a muted color palette conveys the intensity of the storm, highlighting the fragility of human endeavors in the face of nature's might. The painting is representative of Dupré's broader oeuvre, which often features themes of nature's grandeur and the emotional responses it evokes. Dupré was associated with the Barbizon School, which sought to depict natural landscapes with realism and emotional depth. The work is significant for its technical execution and its contribution to the genre of marine painting during the period.

Description of the work:

"Barks Fleeing Before the Storm" by Jules Dupré is an oil on canvas painting that captures a dramatic maritime scene. The composition features several sailing vessels, depicted in varying degrees of motion, as they navigate turbulent waters. The sky dominates the upper portion of the canvas, characterized by dark, ominous clouds that suggest an impending storm. The artist employs a palette of deep blues, grays, and whites to convey the intensity of the atmosphere. The churning sea is rendered with dynamic brushstrokes, emphasizing the movement of the waves and the urgency of the barks' flight. Light breaks through the clouds in select areas, creating a contrast that highlights the vessels against the stormy backdrop. The overall effect evokes a sense of both the power of nature and the vulnerability of man-made structures in the face of it. The painting exemplifies Dupré's mastery of landscape and seascape, showcasing his ability to capture the interplay between light, water, and sky.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Barks Fleeing Before the Storm