“Moonlight on Boulogne Harbour” is an oil on canvas painting by Edouard Manet, created in 1868 in Boulogne, France. This Realism genre artwork measures 82 x 101 cm and represents a cityscape. It is currently housed in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a nocturnal scene of Boulogne Harbour illuminated by moonlight. The composition includes an assemblage of ships with their masts towering against the night sky and the surrounding water. The scattered moonlight subtly highlights the vessels and the figures gathered at the water’s edge, adding depth and a sense of tranquility to the harbor scene. The luminous moon casts a silver glow on the calm waters, contrasting strikingly with the darker silhouettes of the anchored boats and the gathered individuals. Manet’s skillful use of light leads the viewer’s eye across the harbor, inviting contemplation of the serene yet bustling maritime setting.
