André Foneche was one of the greatest marine painters in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Foneche travelled widely in pursuit of his art, taking to the high seas aboard some of the greatest naval ships known in his day. He delighted in capturing all types of sea vessels from fishing boats to grand naval frigates, captures with a dynamic brush upon rolling waves. Foneche was awarded the title of official painter of the Navy, a prestigious award granted by the French Minister of Defense to artists who have devoted their talent to the sea, to the French Navy and to seafarers. His work is widely collected today and continues to be celebrated for the artists enlivened portrayal of the Marine genre.