The artwork named “Bahia de la Habana,” created by the artist Jose Maria Velasco in 1889, belongs to the Realism art movement and falls within the marina genre. The scene depicted in this maritime painting encapsulates the serene and detailed portrayal characteristic of Realism.
The artwork captures the tranquil beauty of Havana’s bay with exceptional attention to detail. The composition features several anchored sailboats, their masts reaching upwards, calmly floating on the still waters. In the background, Havana’s architectural vista stretches along the shoreline, marked by buildings that capture the character of the city’s coastal facade. The sky is painted in soft hues of blue, dotted with wisps of clouds that complement the serene ambiance of the scene. The gentle rendering of light and the reflection on the water exhibit Velasco’s mastery in depicting natural light and atmosphere. The overall calm and detailed portrayal of this maritime setting evokes a sense of peace and timelessness, typical of Velasco’s Realist approach.
