Post Impressionism Seascape Oil Maurice Proust 1867-1944 After Mesdag

Description

A very beautiful Post Impressionism seascape oil by listed French artist, Maurice Proust (1867-1944) titled 'Fishing Boats by Moonlight'. This … more A very beautiful Post Impressionism seascape oil by listed French artist, Maurice Proust (1867-1944) titled 'Fishing Boats by Moonlight'. This large antique work depicts several fishing boats heading home as the sea reflects the shadows and light cast by the setting moon. A loose and diffused style of brush strokes creates a rhythmic quality in the work. The artist's soft technique, particularly in the rippling sea of the foreground results in a lovely tonal palette. Oil on board, it is signed and dated 1913, lower right. Provenance: Private French collection. The artist's work is well collected and is in the manner of the Dutch master, Hendrik Willem Mesdag.

Proust was born 15 September 1867, in Paris; died 4 December 1944, in Montigny-sur-Loing.
He studied decorative art under the illustrator Alcide Robaudi and the landscapist Lemeunier. Initially an assistant set designer for French state theatres, including the Comédie-Française, he went on to work for all the major houses in Paris. He produced decorative compositions for the Palais du Costume at the Exposition Universelle and for Trouville Casino, and in 1914 worked for the Théâtre aux Armées and for the military hospital at Val-de-Grâce. He also decorated the Hall de l'Exposition in Bordeaux and, in 1917, executed a set of 40 paintings for The Fire Exhibition at the Jardin D'Acclimatation on the subject of war. He is a well known painter, watercolorist, and designer who painted landscapes, seascapes, murals and stage sets. A member of the Salon des Décorateurs Français from 1899, Proust first exhibited at the Tunis Salon, gaining a medal in 1895, then from 1902 at the Salon des Artistes Français, Salon des Indépendants and Salon Violet. A collection of his works was also presented at the Art et Tradition gallery in Honfleur in 1986.
Art has long been regarded as a strong and safe investment. Ellen Kelleher, a personal finance reporter for The Financial Times wrote an article recommending art, particularly in the $500 - $50,000 range as a sound long term investment with an impressive current average annual yield of 9.7%. See ‘Hang Your Investments on the Wall’ in the Financial Times published in October, 2010. less