The New Student's Reference Work/Vernet, Claude Joseph

Vernet (vâr′nắ′), Claude Joseph, an eminent French painter, was born at Avignon, Aug. 17, 1714. When on a voyage to Rome, in a terrible storm he was fastened to the mast, and the scene so impressed him that he became a painter of sea-views, being considered the first marine painter in Europe. His best-known work is a series of the seaports of France, executed by royal order. His works have been extensively engraved. He died in Paris, Dec. 3, 1789.