Oil on canvas, 60 x 80 cm
Signed and dated: Paul Leduc 1919
Originally from La Louvière, Paul Leduc studied at the academies of Mons and Antwerp. Initially, he painted the industrial landscapes of his native region as well as the canals of old Flemish towns, like his teacher Albert Bartsoen (1866-1922).
Constantly seeking light, he made numerous trips to the south of France and Italy after the First World War. These stays clarified and enriched his palette. This painting, painted in 1919, demonstrates the luminist style that would bring the artist success during the interwar period.
It is a view of Martigues, on the Provençal coast, and more specifically the island district. The view, taken from the Quai Brescon, at the place called Miroir des oiseaux, which inspired Leduc several times, is directed towards the Baroque church of the Madeleine. A fan of river views, Leduc gave the Saint Sébastien canal the lower half of his composition. On the right, we can see the recurring motif of his views of Martigues: the typical boats of the place with their lateen sails.