Large Marine Oil-on-Canvas “Breton Fisherman” in Original Frame, 19th Century

This magnificent oil painting on wood from the late 19th century, signed by the artist D. Fristany, depicts a fishing trip in Brittany in the early hours of the morning. In the foreground, a small boat still moored is preparing to leave, with a group of men busy with nets and fish pots.

Beyond it, a large two-masted hourque emerges from the harbour, with more boats already in the distance, setting sail. You can feel the swell on the sea and the rising wind, the sky seems to be darkening with grey clouds, and you can see the carefully worked chiaroscuro/obscuro, which gives the painting great strength and realism. The play of light on the moor to the left and in the foreground also helps to create a pointed perspective.

This is a typical turn-of-the-century fishing scene in Brittany, both in terms of the types of boats depicted and the fishermen’s clothing. The artist must have painted it on the spot, as it exudes great vivacity and very precise detail, particularly on the boats.

The painting is in its original frame, with a copper plate bearing the artist’s name and the title of the painting in old French ‘Pescheurs breton’.

Size Without frame : 63×75 cm
With frame : 74×86 cm