The young painter Andreas Achenbach (1815–1910) completed this painting in a studio at the Städelschule and it was purchased immediately by the Städel. With precise strokes, it shows a ship struggling against the raging sea to avoid being smashed against the rough cliffs. The deliberate lighting emphasises the surge and the mighty rocks, thus, heightening the feeling of agitation while witnessing these events. The large format further intensifies this impression of the depicted force of nature. Achenbach repeatedly painted detailed seascapes of this kind. They are skilfully staged: it was not until two years after the painting’s creation that Achenbach actually travelled to Norway.
https://sammlung.staedelmuseum.de/en/work/storm-at-sea-off-the-norwegian-coast
Yeah I tried to find the best quality image of this painting. I visited this museum recently and this one was my favorite. Couldn’t stop staring at it. Love how realistic the waves look:)
Yeah the more you think about it, it’s very, very difficult to make realistic-looking waves, not to mention all the small wind droplets and foam and everything going on. Absolutely incredible skill.