MAURICE MARTIN | L’Église au Bord de l’Eau
Oil on Canvas
46 x 55 cms / 18 x 21¾ inches
Signed Maurice Martin (lower left)
L’Église au Bord de l’Eau by Maurice Martin is a superb example of the enduring influence of the French plein air tradition into the 20th century. Echoing the legacy of the Barbizon and Impressionist painters, Martin’s lively brushwork and nuanced treatment of light reflect the harmony between architecture and nature. The composition balances architectural solidity with the fluidity of the water and foliage, displaying Martin’s talent for uniting structure and atmosphere.
A master of bold colours and strong form, Maurice Martin was a key practitioner in the Moret School of painting. This talented group of artists were indebted to the Impressionist artists, most notably Alfred Sisley, who painted at Moret-sur-Loing in the 1890s. Martin was frequently seen painting en plein-air, believing this to be the only way to capture the immediacy of the scenery. Martin's technique demanded a free and spontaneous style of painting in order to catch the rapid changes in outdoor light. He attempted to extract the colours and shapes as well as the fragrances of nature, putting the total ambiance and experience directly onto the canvas. The highlights of Martin's career were the Gold Medal he was awarded at the 1946 Paris Salon, and becoming Vice President of the Society of French Landscape Painters.
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