Impressionist and Modern Art

We wish to thank Marina Ferretti for confirming the authenticity of the present lot, which will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Provenance:

Catherine Burns, Oakland, California.

Private Collection, Chicago.

Lot Note:

Paul Signac’s relationship with Paimpol is part of his broader, lifelong fascination with the French coastline, particularly Brittany, which he explored extensively in the mid-1880s and 1890s, at a moment when he was developing, alongside Georges Seurat, the principles of Neo-Impressionism. 

A working fishing port on the northern coast, Paimpol offered a very different motif from the Mediterranean light that would later define Signac’s work. Here, he encountered a harsher, more variable atmosphere, which he often translated into sepia ink on paper, as a way to suggest the region’s shifting skies, cool tonalities, and the rugged geometry of harbors, masts, and boats.

Framed: 19 x 25 1/4 x 1 in
In overall good to very good condition. The sheet is laid down to the underman at all four corners, making it impossible to inspect its verso first-hand. The sheet lays flat, with some noted undulations in the upper left and right quadrants (light creases from past handling, and likely mounting). The outer edges are even, and straight, without any paper loss or repair to be noted. Light evidence of handling, and softening along the top outer edge as well as in the corners (the bottom right corner is particularly lifting up, and presents marks of past foldings). Otherwise no sign of restoration. Additional images available upon request.

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