Title: French School; 19th Century French Theatrical Oil Painting Merchants outside City Building, 19th century Description: Title: French Coastal Oil Painting of Low Tide Shore Fishing with Sailboats and Figures By Fanch Lel Signed: Yes Size: 13.25 x 16.25 inches (height x width) Oil painting on board, unframed Condition: The painting is in good condition with expressive texture throughout; minor surface wear and edge scuffing present. Provenance: All the paintings we have for sale by this artist have come from the artists estate and have had no previous owners at all. Description: This charming oil on board by French artist Fanch Lel, titled Pêche à pied (French for “fishing on foot”), captures a quiet, traditional coastal activity set against a softly glowing seascape. The painting features two figures foraging at low tide on a seaweed-covered shoreline, with warm light reflecting off wet sand and shallow water. In the distance, two bright orange sails float on the horizon, bringing warmth and movement to the tranquil marine scene. The pastel sky—brushed with soft peach, blue, and grey—suggests early morning or late afternoon, a perfect time for pêche à pied, a centuries-old practice of gathering shellfish, crabs, and other sea life from exposed tidal flats. Lel’s impressionist handling of texture and colour captures the fleeting nature of light on water and the quiet rhythm of coastal life. This subject matter is deeply rooted in French maritime culture, especially in regions like Brittany, where generations of families have participated in this tide-dependent practice. The figures, dressed simply, evoke a timeless, unhurried connection to nature. Perfect for collectors of French coastal art, nautical scenes, or traditional marine subjects, this piece brings a moment of stillness and local authenticity into the home. Its intimate scale and natural tones make it ideal for gallery walls, cottage interiors, or any space inspired by the sea.
Reserve: $1,153.00
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