Atribuido a Joan Roig i Soler (1852–1909) - Sailboats at Sunset

1. TECHNICAL DATA

Author: Attributed to Joan Roig i Soler (Barcelona, 1852–1909)

School: Sitges Luminist School / Catalan painting of the 19th century

Era: Late 19th century, c. 1880–1900

Proposed title: Sails at Sunset

Technique: Oil on cardboard

dimensions of the work: approx. 40 × 30 cm

Dimensions with frame: approx. 55 × 45 cm

Signature: Signed “Roig” in red in the lower right corner. Next to the signature there is a possible annotation or date, partially legible.

Support: Cardboard

Condition: Condition in keeping with its age. Craquelure, small abrasions and occasional loss of pictorial layer are visible, especially on the upper left edge and in certain areas of the sky. See detailed photographs.


2. DESCRIPTION

Interesting small-format seascape attributed to Joan Roig i Soler, a key figure in the development of Catalan luminist painting in the late 19th century.

The composition depicts two traditional sailing vessels paused on a calm sea during sunset.

The horizon appears alight with an intense band of yellows, oranges, reds and violets, while the ships are cut out against dark silhouettes.

The twilight light is projected vertically onto the water and constitutes the true axis of the composition.


3. STYLISTIC AND COMPOSITIONAL ANALYSIS

The work unfolds with a vertical composition dominated by an expansive sky.

The two main vessels form a triangular structure and lead the gaze toward the bright center of the horizon.

The execution combines finely detailed areas —masts, rigging, small figures and hull profiles— with a much looser brushstroke in the sky and sea.

The treatment of the glow is especially interesting.

The clouds are built with long horizontal strokes of relatively light matter, layering bluish grays, yellows, pinks, vermilion and violets.

The sea functions as a chromatic reflection of the sky, resolved by short horizontal brushstrokes that convey an almost motionless surface.

This opposition between descriptive precision and atmospheric study places the work within the luminist investigations typical of late 19th-century Catalan painting.


4. ATMOSPHERIC AND LUMINIC DIMENSION

The scene seeks not only to describe boats.

The true protagonist is the transformation of light in the last minutes of the day.

The strong backlighting turns the boats into dark masses and highlights the complex geometry of masts, sails and rigging.

The extensive blue sky provides depth and a pronounced sense of serenity.

The red buoy on the right introduces a small chromatic accent that visually balances the boats on the left and center.


5. SIGNATURE AND AUTHORSHIP HYPOTHESIS

The painting presents in the lower right corner a signature executed in red pigment that can clearly be read as “Roig.”

Below it appears a second inscription or possible date whose full reading is not secure.

The attribution to Joan Roig i Soler is considered taking into account the signature, the apparent chronology, the technique and especially the theme and luminist conception of the work.

The depiction of traditional boats, Mediterranean coasts, atmospheric effects and strong contrasts of lighting occupy a prominent place within the painter’s known output.

The small format is also coherent, suitable for direct studies and intimate landscape compositions.

The work is prudently offered as “attributed to Joan Roig i Soler,” without presenting itself as a certified work by the artist.


6. OTHER INTERESTING DATA

Joan Roig i Soler was closely linked to the birth of the so-called Sitges Luminist School.

His painting gave special importance to direct observation of the Mediterranean landscape and to variations of light over beaches, ports and coastal towns.

In the present work several characteristic elements of this sensibility stand out: the blazing sky, the intensity of backlight, the sea surface used as a mirror of light and the presence of small boats as a human reference within a landscape dominated by the atmosphere.

The small format enhances its immediacy and its function as a study of a specific luminous effect.

The painting also retains its attractive wooden frame, which suitably complements the warm tonality of the composition.


7. SHIPPING AND CONDITIONS

The work will be shipped by a professional specialist company.

A custom-made crate will be used along with foam protections to ensure maximum safety during transport.

We ship internationally worldwide.

Any surcharges arising from oversized shipments or destinations outside the European Union will be borne by the buyer.

The frame is included as a gift with the work and will not be subject to claims.