Martin Monnickendam - The Harbour of Douarnenez, Brittany

Martin Monnickendam (1874–1943)

The Harbour of Douarnenez, Brittany

1930

Signed and dated lower left

Oil on panel

60 x 40 cm

Provenance:

Collection Leviet.

Condition:

In very good condition.

Additional information:

Martin Monnickendam grew up in a prosperous, liberal Jewish family in Amsterdam. After studying at the Rijksacademie and a formative period in Paris, he developed a highly individual painting style characterised by a loose brushstroke, clear colours and a keen eye for light and atmosphere. He exhibited extensively in the Netherlands and abroad and was regarded as one of the innovators of Dutch painting.

Alongside his well-known Amsterdam city views and theatre interiors, Monnickendam often travelled through France. Brittany made a strong impression on him. Its traditional dress, landscape and fishing harbours provided a rich source of inspiration. In this painting, he captures the lively atmosphere of a Breton harbour with a fresh brushstroke and a convincing sense of colour and light.

Towards the end of his life, Monnickendam was increasingly excluded by the German occupying authorities, although he continued to work. Shortly before he was due to be deported, he died of pneumonia. A large part of his oeuvre survived and was brought together by the Stichting Vrienden van de schilder Martin Monnickendam.