The Little Lighthouse in the Waves, Ca 1910 Abstracted Modernist Marine Landscape Oil on Canvas

1900 - 1920

Sold by Skippings Fine Arts

Description

The sign of a great artist is that he brings something new - a fresh perspective - to a well known subject. We have all seen many marine subjects, but this one is special.

Perhaps it is the composition that adds is almost a degree of abstraction to this seascape. Or the colours, which are intense, without being flashy. I particularly appreciate the beautiful and unusual shade of blue of the rocks. And I love the fact that the fragile little lighthouse in the waves in the painting does not stand out, but is waiting to be discovered.

A small masterpiece by an anonymous artist, this oil on canvas is unsigned. Dating from circa 1910-20, I believe the painting to be the work of a foreign artist who was active in France.

A little anecdote: originally, the canvas was stretched in the strangest fashion - it was sown onto a a metal frame, probably by someone who was so poor they could afford proper stretcher bars. Foreign young artists in the late nineteenth/ early twentieth century were often struggling - think van Gogh - so this was a touching testimony to its time.

It risked to damage the painting, however, so I have had it restretched on a supportive stretcher - as the artist, I hope would have wished.

Measuring 24 x 30 cm, the overall dimensions of the painting with its original frame are 33 x 40 cm.

The frame is another curious construction, and possibly the work of a DIY enthusiast in the 1920s or 1930s.

Made of re-cut antique mouldings, it is somewhat curious, repainted and ill-fitting, but is almost a work of folk art. It works curiously well with the painting, which is why I left it as is.

Physical Dimensions

Height

24cm (9.45")

Width

30cm (11.81")

Depth

1cm (0.39")

Declaration

Skippings Fine Arts has dated this piece to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA618764

Dealers Notes

Nous parlons français, und wir sprechen auch Deutsch! Paintings may be viewed in Norwich and in Paris, as well as in London and Cambridge by appointment. Please contact us if you would like further details and images of an artwork.

Description

The sign of a great artist is that he brings something new - a fresh perspective - to a well known subject. We have all seen many marine subjects, but this one is special.

Perhaps it is the composition that adds is almost a degree of abstraction to this seascape. Or the colours, which are intense, without being flashy. I particularly appreciate the beautiful and unusual shade of blue of the rocks.

“

And I love the fact that the fragile little lighthouse in the waves in the painting does not stand out, but is waiting to be discovered.

Skippings Fine Arts

fig 1. The little lighthouse in the waves, ca 1910 abstracted modernist marine landscape oil on canvas — fig 1. The Little Lighthouse in the Waves, Ca 1910 Abstracted Modernist Marine Landscape Oil on Canvas

A small masterpiece by an anonymous artist, this oil on canvas is unsigned. Dating from circa 1910-20, I believe the painting to be the work of a foreign artist who was active in France.

A little anecdote: originally, the canvas was stretched in the strangest fashion - it was sown onto a a metal frame, probably by someone who was so poor they could afford proper stretcher bars. Foreign young artists in the late nineteenth/ early twentieth century were often struggling - think van Gogh - so this was a touching testimony to its time.

fig 2. The little lighthouse in the waves, ca 1910 abstracted modernist marine landscape oil on canvas — fig 2. The Little Lighthouse in the Waves, Ca 1910 Abstracted Modernist Marine Landscape Oil on Canvas

It risked to damage the painting, however, so I have had it restretched on a supportive stretcher - as the artist, I hope would have wished.

Measuring 24 x 30 cm, the overall dimensions of the painting with its original frame are 33 x 40 cm.

fig 3. The little lighthouse in the waves, ca 1910 abstracted modernist marine landscape oil on canvas — fig 3. The Little Lighthouse in the Waves, Ca 1910 Abstracted Modernist Marine Landscape Oil on Canvas

The frame is another curious construction, and possibly the work of a DIY enthusiast in the 1920s or 1930s.

Made of re-cut antique mouldings, it is somewhat curious, repainted and ill-fitting, but is almost a work of folk art. It works curiously well with the painting, which is why I left it as is.