Large Gouache Marine Painting, Three-masted Sailing Ship, Signed Roger Chapelet, Marine Painter, Antilles

Superb original gouache by Roger Chapelet, official painter of the French Navy, depicting a large French three-masted ship sailing in tropical waters, accompanied by local sailing vessels.
The work is distinguished by its dynamic composition, luminous and warm light, and precise, lively brushstrokes, all characteristic of the artist's style. The French flag is visible at the stern.
The scene evokes the great French maritime tradition of the 19th century, a theme dear to Roger Chapelet, renowned for his historical and poetic naval scenes. The gouache is signed in the lower right corner. Framed: 74 × 61 cm. Visible area: 63 × 49 cm. Very good condition.

Roger Chapelet (1903–1995) was a major 20th-century French painter, specializing in maritime and naval scenes. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, he distinguished himself early on by the precision of his drawing and his profound knowledge of the maritime world. He was appointed Official Painter of the Navy in 1936, a prestigious recognition of his talent. His work is primarily devoted to 18th- and 19th-century sailing ships, French naval vessels, and nautical scenes, often set in exotic or historical contexts. Combining maritime rigor, a sense of movement, and a touch of poetry, his compositions do not aim for strict documentary accuracy but rather a vivid and elegant evocation of the French naval tradition. Roger Chapelet is generally considered one of the three great French maritime painters of the 20th century, alongside Marin-Marie and Albert Brenet.