Thomas-François Merlin: A Master of Coastal Serenity Born in Calais, France, in 1772, Thomas-François Merlin emerged as a significant figure in the burgeoning world of French watercolour painting during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His legacy rests primarily on his evocative depictions of shore landscapes – serene, meticulously observed scenes that capture the subtle beauty of coastal life. While not always commanding the s…