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Two large sailing ships at anchor against a golden sky, with a rowboat in front and a forest of masts behind

View of a Harbour

Caspar David Friedrich, 1815–1816

What you see

Two large ships, moored on the left and right, frame the center with their tall masts and rigging. Between them, far off, another ship sails with its canvas spread. Farther back on both sides, many more masts crowd together. In the foreground, a rowboat carrying several people crosses the calm water; one of them is standing.

The sky shifts from dark, cloudy gray at the top to golden yellow near the horizon, and that glow is reflected in the water. The ships are brown silhouettes, drawn in careful detail. Spot the sailor climbing the rigging of the ship on the right, the red pennant on the rowboat and a very thin crescent moon between the two ships.

About Caspar David Friedrich

Caspar David Friedrich painted landscapes that invite you to dream: mountains in the mist, frozen seas and moons over the forest. His figures often appear from behind, gazing at nature, so that we look along with them. He walked for hours drawing trees, rocks and clouds.

All 12 works by Caspar David Friedrich

More by Caspar David Friedrich

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