This bright and vibrant mid-20th-century oil painting by French artist Jean Laurent (1898-1988) depicts several sailboats and a rowboat buffeted by the waves while a smartly attired couple looks on. It’s an homage to the masters of yesteryear.

Abundant with movement, the boats struggle against the elements. In the foreground, three fishermen are perilously close to danger and presumably trying to avoid a collision with the shore. While beyond, the sails of two larger vessels are billowing in the wind. Windswept trees provide further drama.

Jean Laurent was a proficient 20th-century artist who worked in the manner of 19th-century Dutch masters, such as Hermanus Koekkoek (1815-1882) and Abraham Hulk Senior (1813-1897). There’s a vivacious quality to his colouring coupled with accomplished draughtsmanship.

Signed/dated lower right and held within a beautiful swept frame.

Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 27” x 23” / 69cm x 59cm
Year of creation: c. 1950
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £1,959