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Watching the Sailing Boats from the Beach

£55,000.00

Description

Additional information

Artist

Vincent Palmaroli (Spanish, 1834 – 1896)

Medium

Oil on panel

Dimensions

20 x 30 inches / 50.8 x 76.2 cm

Style

19th Century, European

Signed

Lower right

Vincent Palmaroli (Spanish, 1834 – 1896)
Vicente Palmaroli González (5 September 1834 – 25 January 1896) was a distinguished Spanish portrait and genre painter.Born in Zarzalejo, he was the son of Gaetano Palmaroli, an Italian painter and lithographer who became his first mentor.Palmaroli’s career was defined by his exceptional talent in both portrait and genre painting. He gained international acclaim between 1872 and 1884 for his tableautin works, often portraying the elegant leisure activities of aristocrats from the ancien régime.His style was strongly influenced by the renowned Fortuny, particularly after Palmaroli relocated to Paris following political upheaval in Spain.One of his most notable pieces is <strong>Al escondite</strong> (Hide and Seek), an oil painting on panel that reflects his précieux style. The work highlights his mastery in drawing and colour, incorporating architectural elements inspired by the Alhambra in Granada. Palmaroli’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the thin, almost translucent layers of paint, which allow the preparatory sketch to remain visible.His paintings were highly prized on the international art market, particularly by American collectors. Palmaroli maintained relationships with prominent art agents such as Samuel P. Avery and George A. Lucas, supplying works to Goupil’s, a leading art dealership. His Alhambra-themed works, along with other fashionable subjects, were sought after by renowned New York collections.Throughout his career, Palmaroli held various esteemed positions. Following his father’s death in 1853, he assumed his father’s role at the royal art collections. His artistic legacy endures, particularly through his prints, which are admired for their romantic and dramatic portrayal of historical scenes and landscapes.
Vincent Palmaroli’s Watching the Sailing Boats from the Beach is a fine oil artwork that captures a contemplative moment by the sea, rendered in exquisite detail characteristic of 19th-century European paintings.
The scene portrays a contemplative young woman seated on the shore, her gaze directed towards the horizon where small sailboats drift in the distance. She is elegantly dressed in a refined, earth-toned skirt with delicate lace trim, a fitted cream-coloured blouse, and a richly textured, deep purple shawl wrapped around her shoulders. Her gloved hands suggest a chill in the air, reinforcing the subdued, introspective mood of the piece. Her attire and demeanour suggest a 19th-century setting, possibly reflecting the Victorian era’s interest in themes of solitude and nature. At her feet, a loyal black dog, possibly a greyhound or similar breed, sits obediently, its posture mirroring the woman’s quiet attentiveness, adding to the painting’s sense of companionship and stillness.The mood of this Vincent Palmaroli original artwork is one of wistful contemplation, evoking themes of solitude and quiet reflection. The muted, overcast sky and calm waters set a serene yet introspective tone, as if hinting at a fleeting or nostalgic moment. Golden light breaks through the sky, enhancing the melancholic yet serene atmosphere. The subtle blending of sea and sky is masterfully handled, creating an impression of vast openness, while the gentle waves and scattered rocks ground the composition with naturalistic detail. The soft diffused lighting, characteristic of Palmaroli’s technique, lends a poetic realism to the scene, with subtle reflections on the wet sand adding depth and movement.This Vincent Palmaroli original painting showcases the artist’s ability to merge fine art paintings with an emotional narrative, using delicate brushwork to render textures such as the folds of fabric, the dog’s sleek fur, and the woven details of the chair beside the woman. The careful composition, with the seated figure placed slightly off-centre, guides the viewer’s eye towards the distant boats, subtly reinforcing the theme of longing or nostalgia. The overall harmony of colours – cool greys, warm earth tones, and soft golden hues – creates a balanced and evocative piece.
Watching the Sailing Boats from the Beach invites the viewer to share in the reflective mood of the subject, embracing the timeless connection between humanity and the sea. This fine artwork stands as a testament to Palmaroli’s skill in capturing both the physical beauty of a scene and the emotional depth within it, making it a compelling example of 19th-century European painting.