M. Olivier (XX) - Reflets d'ocre et brume de silence 

Hello,

I propose an authentic antique work from the late 19th century signed M. OLIVIER bearing the inscription “after LE SENECHAL.” This oil on canvas depicts a bustling port scene at dusk in foggy weather. The variety of ships gives this painting historical interest as it captures a precise moment of sail-powered navy before the advent of steam engines. This location is characteristic of ship-helter ports and estuaries along the Norman coast. The architecture of the long dark stone buildings on the left evokes major commercial ports such as LE HAVRE, DIEPPO?, HONFLEUR or FECAMP.

The work belongs to a strand of maritime realism that favors atmosphere, reflections of light on the water, and precise detail. The color palette comprises warm tones with ochre earths, sienna, and browns contrasting with the bluish-gray roofs and the marine horizon to the right.

The vertical mass of the masts and buildings on the left creates in the foreground a solid anchor with a perspective quay receding into the eye toward the heart of the port. In the middle ground concentrates port activity; the sailing ships are those encountered in the English Channel of that era. A low jetty stretches horizontally in the background, punctuated by the white silhouette of a small lighthouse or a signaling beacon. The sky occupies nearly half of the surface, treated with light impasto to simulate a dense cloud cover.

This painting, with an “L” shaped composition aligned along the edge of the two quays, is a study of light refraction through the play of light and matter. The painter uses quick vertical strokes to depict the reflection of the masts in the choppy water. The water takes on the hues of the sky and the hulls, which is typical of turbid port waters. It is probably a “grisaille,” a painting style highly valued at this same period by Gustan LE SENECHAL de KERDREORET to whom this work is dedicated. His way of handling misty light and reflections on the water is exactly what is seen in this painting. By playing with shades of gray and brown to capture the humidity of the air, the light seems to come from the background of the scene in partial backlighting.

The represented boats are mostly traditional fishing vessels. One observes “lougres” and “bisquines” in the center and left; two- and three-masted ships are visible with a mainmast and a foremast; one also perceives trapezoidal sails known as “au tiers.” A yard is seen affixed at one-third of its length, a crosspiece supporting the upper part of the sail. The sails tinted ochre/dark brown come from “the tanning.” These sails were soaked in a decoction of oak bark or tannin to protect them from humidity and salt. A complex rigging with a large mast, a foremast and perhaps a coxswain’s cable at the stern can be distinguished. This type of vessel was used for large-scale fishing and coastal trade. A “goélette” is located on the right. The distant boat in the port on the right has a different profile with a square topsail fixed on a gaff at the bottom and a horn at the top. One can discern a jib, a triangular sail pointing toward the bow. It is probably a more modern rigging than the others.

Frame dimensions: 54.5 cm x 46.5 cm
Work dimensions: 46 cm x 34 cm
There are many painters, notably in the 19th century, who bear the surname OLIVIER.

This work has been restored since 1888. It is considered in very good condition with the signs of time that give it the “charm of the old.” The canvas was mounted on a new support to re-stretch it perfectly. It has been recently cleaned and then a satin varnish of the Winsor & Newton brand was applied by a professional. This piece is on its original frame, which was also reinforced, cleaned, and revarnished. A 19th-century Dutch marine-style carved wooden frame, restored and repainted black with a pale gold gilding, was added.

This 1888 painting is a tribute to the famous painter Gustan LE SENECHAL de KERDREORET (1840-1933) and uses identical pigments on a canvas from the same period, which gives it genuine historical and decorative value.