“Ships at the Port of Greifswald,” created by Caspar David Friedrich between 1818 and 1820 using oil on canvas, belongs to the Romanticism movement and is categorized under the marina genre. The artwork is currently housed in the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin, Germany.
The artwork depicts a serene scene at the port of Greifswald during the early hours of dawn or late sunset. Large sailing ships are anchored near the shore, their tall masts reaching into the soft, pastel-colored sky that transitions smoothly from the gentle hues of orange to the twilight blues. The silhouettes of the ships stand prominently against the backdrop of the distant Greifswald, indicated by the hazy contours of buildings and perhaps a cathedral. In the foreground, a few figures are visible, engaged in maritime activities, adding a touch of human interaction to the tranquil coastal landscape. The use of light and shadow, along with the precise depiction of ships and the calm sea, exemplifies Friedrich’s mastery in capturing the sublime beauty and the poignant stillness of nature.
