May Matthews
Managing Director, Scotland
Lot 51AR
John Duncan Fergusson RBA(British, 1874-1961)Boats at Royan 27 x 34.6 cm. (10 5/8 x 13 5/8 in.)
Amended
14 – 15 October 2021, 14:00 BST
EdinburghSold for £29,000 inc. premium
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John Duncan Fergusson RBA (British, 1874-1961)
Boats at Royan
oil on board
27 x 34.6 cm. (10 5/8 x 13 5/8 in.)
oil on board
27 x 34.6 cm. (10 5/8 x 13 5/8 in.)
Footnotes
Fergusson moved to Paris is 1907, where he taught at the Académie de la Palette. He mixed with other avant-garde artists and was able to see the latest paintings by Picasso, Matisse and Derain. Living in the French capital gave him new impetus, and the years 1909/1910 were a transitional moment in his career. It can be argued that this was the starting point for Scottish modern art. He became the leader of a group of Anglo/American artists (later to be known as the 'Rhythmists') that moved in the most progressive circles, and in recognition of his contribution to the modern movement he was elected one of the sociétaires of the Salon d'Automne.
This work was painted in the summer of 1910 when Fergusson and Peploe stayed at Royan on the west coast of France. Although they worked side by side, Fergusson's interpretations are altogether more progressive than Peploe's at this stage. Both artists were particularly inspired by the harbour. There were big technological advances in terms of the manufacture of paints around this time and they made maximum use of this, using the brightest colours that makers could produce. As a result, Fergusson's palette had become fresher and brighter and in this painting he has emphasised geometric shapes, such as the sails and outlines of the boats.
Having hung on the same walls of a private home in Edinburgh for many decades, Boats at Royan is an exciting discovery to come on the market.
Saleroom notices
Please note the board has been adhered to a backing board and is secure.
