#12199 Rafael Estrany (1884-1958)

The canvas presents a harbor scene bathed in the diffused light of either dawn or dusk. Here we observe several sailing vessels moored within a sheltered inlet. The composition is dominated by the masts and rigging of these ships, which rise vertically against a backdrop of muted color. A sense of enclosure is established through the presence of what appears to be a wharf or embankment on the left side of the frame, partially obscured by shadow.
The artist’s handling of paint is characterized by short, broken brushstrokes applied in layers. This technique creates a shimmering effect across the waters surface and lends an atmospheric quality to the scene. The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of greens, blues, yellows, and pinks, all blended with considerable subtlety. There is little sharp definition; forms dissolve into one another, contributing to a feeling of tranquility and ambiguity.
The light itself seems to emanate from behind the ships, casting long reflections on the water and highlighting their silhouettes. This creates a sense of depth and spatial recession. The sky, visible above the masts, displays a soft gradation of color, suggesting a transition between day and night or vice versa.
Subtly, there is an impression of melancholy conveyed through the subdued palette and the stillness of the harbor. The absence of human figures reinforces this feeling of solitude and quiet contemplation. One might interpret the scene as a meditation on the passage of time, the enduring presence of maritime tradition, or simply the beauty of a fleeting moment captured in nature. The painting evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, hinting at journeys undertaken and stories untold within these vessels.