`St.Valery sur Somme`
Edward Leslie Badham RA (1873-1944)
A beautiful and tranquil Impressionist watercolour by E.L.Badham depicting a scene at St.Valery sur Somme in northern France. Lovely example by this highly regarded and sought after artist, a superb rendition of the reflections and shadows in the water. I imagine Badham was interested in the complementary colours - the contrast between the red roof and the cool greens of the boat and reflections which give the painting a muted vibrancy.
St.Valery sur Somme lies at the mouth of the Somme on the Picardy Coast and as well as being a busy harbour is also a point of entry into the French inland waterway system, the ancient and picturesque town has always been a popular destination for tourists and is surrounded by many yacht basins and marinas. The impressionist painters and Eugene Boudin painted here in the last century. This painting probably dates to the 1920`s or 30`s before WW2. painting is housed in an excellent gilt frame with triple mount.