Julius Hintz marine painter

Julius Hintz marine painter. (1805-1861)
Rocky coast in Normandy against stormy skies, undated
Oil on canvas
60 x 87 cm

Under stormy skies, a two-master has come dangerously close to the rocky coast of Normandy; it is pushed against the breakwater offshore. The sea is dramatically churned up, unable to manoeuvre the sailing ship is about to capsize. High foaming spray slams against the rocks of the shore and washes over the deck of the ship. Numerous people have gathered on the pier, others have climbed onto rocky outcrops and are watching the event. High up on a rock stands a cross as a symbol of the finite nature of all being and doing.

Born in Hamburg, the landscape and marine painter Julius Hintz was called Jules at the time because he spent most of his career in Paris and was assigned by contemporaries to the French school. After his apprenticeship years with Siegfried Detlev Bendixen (1786-1864), he probably moved to the French capital in 1833 and became a student of the famous marine painter Eugène Isabey (1803-1886) around 1840. In 1834 Hintz participated for the first time in the prestigious Salon de Paris, which was followed by regular exhibitions from 1847. He was twice honored by the Salon and several of his works were purchased by the French government.

Probably under the influence of Isabey, Julius Hintz devoted himself primarily to marine painting. Although his coastal landscapes and harbor views were very successful, his name was usually associated with that of his teacher. In 1862 Hintz died in Paris. The following year his works were exhibited posthumously at the Salon. Most of his works were created during his travels through France and can be seen today in French museums. The work in the International Maritime Museum is characterized by vivid elaboration of the forces of nature and dramatic lighting effects.