"Oil Painting On Canvas Signed By Charles Malfroy: Bandol"
Seaside view in Bandol Artist: Charles Malfroy (1862-1918) Technique: Oil on canvas Signature: Signed lower left "Malfroy" followed by the words "Bandol 1912". Dimensions: visible: H: 46cm W: 65cm frame: H: 73cm W: H: 73cm W: 90cm Framing: Plaster and carved wood frame, richly decorated with floral and rococo motifs, gilt leaf (period). The scene depicts a Mediterranean shore bathed in golden light. In the foreground, a sandy beach in warm tones stretches out towards the calm sea, where several boats with lateen sails typical of Provençal ports of the early 20th century are moored. Fishermen are busy around the boats, while in the background, a row of ochre and yellow houses, with sunny facades, line the beach. The architecture and warm colors are reminiscent of the coastal villages of the Var region. The seascape is enlivened by small white sails scattered across the water, adding depth and movement to the composition. The sky, a slightly hazy light blue, contributes to the luminous and peaceful atmosphere typical of Malfroy's maritime scenes. The palette is dominated by ochres, golden yellows, and beiges for the sand and facades, contrasting with the soft blues of the sea and sky. The brushwork is precise for the architectural details and figures, but remains supple and fluid for the effects of light and atmosphere. The whole illustrates Malfroy's talent for capturing the Mediterranean luminosity and daily life in the ports of southern France. Charles Malfroy, a Marseille painter known for his Provençal seascapes and landscapes, often depicted views of Bandol, Cassis, and Marseille. His works from 1912 demonstrate artistic maturity, combining descriptive realism and a poetic sense of light.