In the late summer of 1854, Delacroix spent several weeks in Dieppe, a port city located northwest of Paris on the French coast. One of his works depicting the harbour is dated 7 September, and his journal contains an extensive entry for that day. The scene contrasts the dark ships with the bright water and the distant white chalk cliffs of La Pollet, a place Delacroix often visited during his walks. Below the date, the inscription in wash has been interpreted as 'Chartreux', which some have mistakenly linked to Marseille. However, it may also partially read as 'chant', possibly serving as a reminder of the experience he had that day.