In the second half of the 19th century, the Bassin du Commerce is often referred to by both authors and painters. Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) described it in his first version of Sentimental Education, in which two lovers stay in Le Havre before leaving for the Americas. Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) mentioned the Bassin in Pierre and Jean.

In a completey different style, George V embankment, which runs along the Bassin, is the neighbourhood of Gustave Masurier, the investigative reporter starring in two thrillers by Philippe Huet (born 1945), Quai de l’oubli and La nuit des Docks.

The Bassin also inspired impressionist painters, including Eugène Boudin (1824-1898), in various studies and paintings, and Claude Monet (1840-1926). This Bassin, and the Le Havre bassins generally speaking, also inspired Gustave Caillebotte (1848-1894), William Turner (1775-1851), and then, in the 20th century, Georges Braque (1882-1963), Paul Signac (1863-1935) and Maurice de Vlaminck (1876-1958), among others.

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) stayed in Le Havre in the early 20th century, probably encouraged to do so by his friend Georges Braque. He painted Souvenir du Havre, portraying boats.

The Bassin du Commerce also appeared in Tournée (2011), a film by Mathieu Amalric (born 1965).