Mozin displays an early marine narrative with strong details and emotion, sharing an advanced knowledge of the human and marine challenges faced daily traveling the world's oceans. He understood well that wind and waves cared not where one wanted to travel. Human mastery of the sea was ever perilous and changing. Still, humans pressed on ; three ship types are shown here riding wind and wave.
A lifelong resident of the Trouville region and the French Normandy Coast, Mozin observed the many ports and vessels which would come calling. The French sidewheel steamship LE FRANCAIS makes her way off the coast after taking passengers from the coastal sailing dory H2. The challenge faced by the small ship is obvious: with the rudder hard to port, two women assist a sailor forward in stowing the sail while they come about. Another man waits ready at the oar to try to prevent the current from carrying her further out.
Displayed beyond both is an early American full-rigged packet ship of the Havre Line of New York City. She is running strong with the wind and appears to be not only at cross purposes with the French steamer, but likely to cross paths. The steamer is pushing hard, capable of good speed but less maneuverable on a moment's notice. Mozin's flourish shows in the dramatic pitch and roll of the steamer, her port paddlebox clear of the sea. The people onboard seem comfortable, yet aware of the unpredictable nature of marine endeavors. Mozin celebrates both our marine heritage and nature's majesty on this canvas.
Reproduced as Aquatint Prints; A 20 x 26 ? inch version & another 9 ? x 11 ? inches, Circa 1830s
