A Pair Of Marines In Straw Marquetry, Signed "watigny" And Dated 1838.

A very beautiful and rare pair of seascapes in straw marquetry, dating from 1838; one depicts a view of the island of Elba and the other the citadel of Gibraltar.

These two works, signed “Watigny” and dated 1838 on the reverse, demonstrate remarkable precision and meticulous craftsmanship.

Crafted from thin strips of natural straw, carefully cut and assembled on walnut panels, they create beautiful effects of light and perspective thanks to the varying orientations and shades of the straw.

The compositions depict coastal landscapes animated by sailboats and ships, featuring their fortifications, buildings, and characteristic topography.

The particularly refined rendering of the skies, composed of diverging rays, beautifully highlights the straw’s natural golden sheen.

This type of marquetry is part of an ancient artisanal tradition, practiced notably by sailors during their long voyages, but also by prisoners of war during their captivity. These works required great patience, remarkable skill, and perfect mastery of this delicate technique.

These two seascapes form a particularly interesting and decorative set, representative of the refinement of straw marquetry from the first half of the 19th century.

They are presented in beautiful 20th-century wooden frames with gilded and blackened moldings, which harmonize perfectly with the warm tones of the marquetry.

Period: 1838, first half of the 19th century.

Signature: Watigny, with handwritten titles and dates on the reverse of the panels.

Technique: straw marquetry on walnut panels.

Frames: wood with gilded and blackened moldings, 20th-century.

Condition: very good overall condition.

Dimensions of each panel, including frame:

• Height: 24 cm
• Width: 35 cm

Shipping available via registered parcel service within France and internationally, with careful packaging. Please contact us for details.