A Sublime Stormy Coastal Scene, Attr. to Giovanni Schranz (1794-1882)

This is a marvellous dramatic studio piece that, despite its size, perfectly captures the great fierceness of the stormy sea crashing against a jagged rock face and cliffs. The paysan onlooker is a typical mechanism used in such artworks to further amply the sublime and awe-full effects of nature's power, all the while amplifying mankind's fragility. 

Initially unassuming due to its small size, this artwork quickly transforms into an exquisite maritime landscape thanks to its maker's keen eye, colour-mixing techniques and original colour palette, experience and staging skills. 

It has several inscriptions on the back, the most prominent and significant in black ink, possibly in Italian or Spanish.

Must be seen to be appreciated!