Alfred Wahlberg - Harbor Scene at Saint Guénolé, Brittany, 1899

Alfred Wahlberg (1834-1906) Sweden

Harbor Scene at Saint Guénolé, Brittany, 1899

oil on canvas
signed and dated Alfr. Wahlberg and dated St Guénolé -99
canvas dimensions 17.71 x 28.74 inches (45 x 73 cm)
frame 22 x 33.28 inches (56 x 82 cm)
gilded frame by Sampson gallery included

Provenance: 
A Swedish private collection; 
Bukowskis Auctions, Classic Sale 586, 2015, lot 937, sold for 4.697€;
A private collection Wisconsin, US. 

Step into a world of maritime serenity and timeless beauty, meticulously crafted by the Swedish artist Alfred Wahlberg (1834-1906).
Known for his impeccable command over light, hue, and emotion, Wahlberg captivated audiences through his masterful landscapes. Today, we bring forth a rare opportunity to own a piece of this artist’s genius.

Depicting a serene coastal setting in the town of Saint Guénolé in Brittany, France, this painting is a pristine representation of the tranquil life at the cusp of the 20th century. Dated 1899, this exquisite painting enveloping the viewer in a breathtaking panorama of marine beauty.

Your eyes are immediately drawn to a group of around 15 fishing boats, anchored gracefully by the shore. A harmonious blend of the blue sea seamlessly converging with the shoreline, hints of greenery, and the distant horizon. Wahlberg’s palette predominantly showcases a calming blue, punctuated by shades of green, lilac, and fiery orange, all harmoniously dancing under a calm sky.

Right at the heart of the canvas, a horse with a carriage stands majestically, perhaps waiting for its load from the diligent workers loading and unloading the day’s catch.
Yet, the painting's charm doesn't end here. In the far left, two towering lighthouses stand sentinel – the Phare d'Eckmühl, also known as the Point Penmarc'h Lighthouse, one of the world's tallest lighthouses, next to the Tour á Feu Chapelle. These structures serve as silent testimony to the rich maritime legacy of Brittany and the safety it offered to sailors of yore.

L: Tour á Feu Chapelle, R: Penmarc'h Lighthouse

Alfred Wahlberg, with his Swedish roots, was widely acclaimed for his nocturnal landscapes and scenes of the Swedish countryside. But it was his travels across Europe that added a fresh dimension to his repertoire, capturing vistas that combined the raw beauty of nature with the subtle imprints of human activity. This painting stands testament to his talent and vision.

In “Harbor Scene at Saint Guénolé, Brittany, 1899” Wahlberg doesn’t just present a view; he extends an invitation. An invitation to step back in time, to feel the gentle breeze of Brittany, hear the faint chatter of the fishermen, and lose oneself in the timeless embrace of art.

In acquiring this piece, you're not just owning a painting; you’re inheriting a slice of history, a manifestation of Wahlberg’s genius, and a timeless view of a world that once was.

The same view today.

Condition:
Recently cleaned (c.2016), the colors are bright and clear and overall in a very good condition.