Beautifully composed and imbued with light, this oil on canvas is the work of Impressionist Henry Moret. One of the most celebrated painters of the Pont-Aven School, Moret’s lasting reputation is tied to his remarkable talent for capturing the bright skies, lush greenery, tranquil waterways and diverse coastline of northern France. His rare, large size oil paintings such as this one continue to command consistent and considerable attention among collectors, and his mastery of the plein-air technique and reverence for nature make his works highly desirable among Impressionist enthusiasts.
The present work, entitled Ramasseuses de Goémon à Möelan, Bretagne, depicts the rugged cliffs of Brittany through Moret’s vivid color palette and bold brushwork. A group of villagers seem dwarfed by the grandeur of their surroundings, while simultaneously blending in harmony with the scenery that surrounds them. Moret’s rich impasto conveys the tranquility of the sea, depicted in a profusion of green and blue hues with his dynamic brushwork. Simultaneously naturalistic and emotive, this remarkable oil on canvas betrays Moret’s intense devotion and love for the Bretagne seaside.
As a young man in military service in 1875, Moret discovered the beauty of France’s northern coasts, particularly those of Normandy and Brittany. After his tour ended, he embarked on his artistic career, completing his formal education at the École Nationale des Beaux-Arts under Jean-Paul Laurens and Jean-Leon Gérôme. In 1881, he returned to the north and became greatly influenced by the artist of Pont-Aven, particularly Gauguin. Moret had already begun exploring more abstract theories within his works, but it was his time with Gauguin that opened his eyes to the concept of Symbolism.
After Gauguin left Pont-Aven in 1891, Moret returned to his Impressionist roots and found balance between the two methodologies. In Ramasseuses de Goémon à Möelan, Bretagne, there is a clear Impressionist handling of the brush with more subjective hues. The contrast gives the work a depth and vivacity unique to Moret’s paintings. From the shadows of the jagged cliffs to the stillness of the sea, the artist creates a delicate balance within his subject that portrays both the beauty and power of nature.
Dated 1900
