The Washhouse, Raphaël Ponson (1835-1904)

Oil on cardboard representing a washhouse signed lower left by Luc Raphaël Ponson born May 12, 1835 in Solliès-Pont (Var) and died January 31, 1904 in Marseille is a French painter. Renowned for his landscapes of the Provençal coast, Raphaël Ponson is the son of a theater decorator who taught him the basics of painting. Then he took classes at the practical drawing school of Marseille where he was the student of Emile Loubon, who taught him to paint landscapes in keeping with the local tone. He went to Paris in 1855 and 1856, then to Italy where he completed his training. He then settled permanently in Marseille. He made his debut at the Marseille Salon in 1852, and at the Paris Salon in 1861 with "La châtaigneraie aux environs de Chevreuse" and "Le château d'If dans la rade de Marseille". The painting we present is an intimate work by the artist in the colors of Provence. Private collection. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Frame: h.34.5 xm x l.40.5 cm. Cardboard: l.24.5 cm x l.30.5 cm.