Cargo Boat and Sailboats in Martigues by Charles Malfroy

A powerful rendition of a Cargo Boat and Sailboats in the Martigues Harbor, by Charles Malfroy.

Born in Lyon in 1870, Malfroy perfected his skills at the Ecole des Beaux Arts de Lyon, then set up his studio in Martigues, near Marseille, in the South of France.
Martigues is known as the “Venice of Provence”, bordering the Etang de Berre and the Canal de Caronte, linking the Etang to the Mediterranean, with the port of Martigue.
That landscape inspired many 19th-century artists, including Félix Ziem and Jean-Baptiste Olive.
Charles Malfroy specialized in “seascapes”, the perfect exponent of a style born in 17th-century Holland of depicting harbor views from a low vantage point, while adapting it to his own post-impressionist style.

He devoted himself to painting the coasts and ports of the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var regions, Venice, but above all Martigues, his stronghold. He used his talent as a colorist to render atmospheric effects with virtuosity, subtly transposing the sky and sea onto his palette.
In this way, with his lively brushstrokes, he renders Mediterranean light with ease, tirelessly painting in almost unreal clarity the atmospheric effects born of the meeting of these elements.
Many of his works are exhibited in national museums.

This painting perfectly reflects the painter’s preferred style and motif.
A ship at quay, certainly in Martigues, presented from a low vantage point, highlighting the majesty of the vessel while underscoring the tranquility of the scene.
However, the artist enlivens his work by adding a boat with sails inflated by the wind, which we can guess is tempestuous in view of the clouds rolled gusts of winds, creating a swell with shimmering reflections.
In true Impressionist style, the brushstrokes are clearly visible, particularly in the sky, where the virgule brushstrokes create movement and atmosphere.

Oil on panel, signed lower left and monogrammed right, in a gilded wooden frame.
Perfect condition.

Unframed 9 1/2 X8
Framed 14 1/2 X 12 1/2

France 20th century c.Reference number: R-459