Who painted Porquerolles?

Porquerolles was painted by Albert Marquet in 1938.

Where can I see Porquerolles?

Porquerolles is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Porquerolles?

Porquerolles is associated with Fauvism.

Artwork

Porquerolles

Albert Marquet , 1938

Porquerolles is an oil painting by the Fauvist artist Albert Marquet. It dates from 1938 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Albert Marquet’s 1938 oil painting Porquerolles portrays a quiet harbor on the French island of Porquerolles. A narrow dock stretches from the left foreground into calm water where a handful of small, mostly white boats bob gently. A muted, cloudy sky reflects in the sea, lending the scene a subdued, tranquil atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the everyday activity of a modest port, emphasizing stillness over drama. By rendering the boats and dock with restrained detail, Marquet invites contemplation of the simple relationship between water, sky, and human presence, suggesting a quiet harmony in a coastal environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the work employs a limited palette of soft greys, blues, and earth tones, characteristic of Marquet’s later shift from Fauvist vividness toward an impressionist restraint. Broad, fluid brushstrokes convey the surface of the water and sky, while finer touches delineate the hulls and dock, balancing detail with atmospheric suggestion.

History & Provenance

Created in 1938, Porquerolles entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on display. The painting reflects Marquet’s mature period, during which he concentrated on landscape subjects and refined his observational approach.

Context

Marquet, a contemporary and close associate of Henri Matisse, initially aligned with Fauvism before evolving toward a more subdued, observational style. Porquerolles exemplifies this transition, illustrating his interest in capturing light and atmosphere in coastal settings, a recurring theme in his oeuvre.