Henri Rivière (1864–1951) — The Old People, 1906

Original color lithograph by Henri Rivière, created in 1906 and printed by Eugène Verneau in Paris.

Titled Les Vieux, this composition depicts the sardine fishing fleet in Douarnenez Bay, returning to port under sail at dusk. From the heights of the shore, a group of elderly sailors—now spectators—watch the boats and seem to be commenting on their return.

The fading light, the sun disappearing on the horizon, and the multitude of sails lend the scene a particularly contemplative and nostalgic tone. Here, Rivière contrasts the motionless old sailors in the foreground with the fleet still at work, which fills the entire bay.

This print is the final plate in the series The Beautiful Land of Brittany.

Printed signature “Henri Rivière” in the lower left corner.

Lugt stamp L.1361 in the lower left corner.

A copy of this print is held in the collections of the National Center for the Visual Arts (Cnap). It was acquired directly from Henri Rivière in 1906, while the work was on display, listed under catalog number 2158.

Artist: Henri Rivière (1864–1951)
Title: The Old Men
Date: 1906
Technique: original color lithograph
Printer: Eugène Verneau, Paris
Signature: printed signature “Henri Rivière” in the lower left corner
Stamp: Lugt L.1361 in the lower left corner
Dimensions: 38 × 50 cm
Dimensions with frame: 51 × 65 cm
Framing: mounted under glass, modern frame