Storm at Sea

Francis De Haes Janvier (1774-1824)

1789

Watercolor on pape

Gift of Mariana Janvier Brown

This work is a rare example of painting by Francis De Haes Janvier, who was the second son of the notable Delaware cabinet maker, John Janvier. Francis was trained as a cabinetmaker, but made more of a name for himself as portrait and coach painter. This work is most likely a study done from a European engraving. Its basis on a European work offers an interesting example of the exchanges that occurred between European and American artists through the easily transportable media of engravings and prints.

For Further Thinking: The engraving this painting is based on was popular enough that it made its way to audiences in the United States. What do you think made it so popular?