Henri Rivière - Lithograph - The Sea

The Sea, Portzic Beach, Crozon Peninsula.

This print, entitled "The Sea," depicts Portzic Beach, located on the Crozon Peninsula in Brittany. This lithograph, by Henri Rivière, is part of the major works of this artist, a key figure in the revival of French printmaking at the turn of the 20th century, deeply influenced by Japonism and by his attachment to Breton seascapes.

The composition shows the sea at low tide, revealing rocks covered in seaweed. On the horizon, a flotilla of fishing boats can be seen, punctuating the shoreline and enlivening the scene. The choice of viewpoint, the apparent simplicity of the motif, and the subtle atmospheric treatment lend the whole a great sense of poetry. Rivière delicately captures the very breath of the landscape, between calm and movement, light and depth.

The artist translates the variations of sea and sky with great sensitivity, using a masterful chromatic palette and a structured composition reminiscent of his interest in Japanese prints. This work testifies to his ability to renew the language of lithography, imbuing it with a contemplative and modern dimension.

This print was produced by Eugène Verneau in Paris, a renowned lithographic printer of the period. It is a vintage print, executed using the traditional color lithography process. This document is an original chromolithograph and not a later reprint.

The work transcends a simple landscape to become a true artistic testament to maritime Brittany at the beginning of the 20th century, seen through Rivière's sensitive and innovative eye.

Lithograph on paper, original print.
Eugène Verneau Printing House, Paris, 1908.

Dimensions 
Sheet: H: 64 x W: 90 cm
Image: H: 55 x W: 83.2 cm

Condition
Very fine condition, close to mint, for a lithograph of this period. The colors are fresh, luminous, and perfectly preserved. The paper shows no yellowing or significant deterioration. No visible restoration.

It is essential to refer carefully to the photographs, as they form an integral part of the description.