View of Cap-Français, Saint-Domingue

1787

Olivier Le May

Associated Names
Olivier Le May
Artist, French, 1734 - 1797
The painting shows a view of a harbor at Cap-Français, Saint-Domingue, from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is high, showing a sky filled with large clouds. In the foreground, several small boats with people are moving across the water. In the distance, a large sailing ship with full sails is on the left side, surrounded by other smaller vessels. The right side has a town against green hills that rise steeply. The brushwork is detailed, capturing architectural elements and the texture of the landscape. The color palette includes blues and greens, with warm tones of the buildings and the light of the sky.

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On View
West Building, Main Floor, Gallery M56

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    oil on canvas

  • Credit Line

    Chester Dale Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 81.9 × 121.9 cm (32 1/4 × 48 in.)
    framed: 100.6 × 141 cm (39 5/8 × 55 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2026.15.1

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Probably Antoine Charvin (1722-1802); probably Louis Charvin (1760-1841); Amédée Charvin (1808-1894), Château de Néty, Saint Étienne des Oulliéres, by 1850; by descent within the family; private collection;[1] (sale, Sotheby's, New York, 5 February 2026, no. 63); purchased 17 February 2026 by NGA.

[1] Provenance information according to Sotheby's auction catalogue.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

lower right: O. Le May [d]a Natura P.

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