Camaret, Moonlight and Fishing Boats (1894)

Maximilien Luce’s “Camaret, Moonlight and Fishing Boats” is a captivating nocturnal scene that highlights the tranquility of the Brittany region’s fishing ports. Painted in 1894, the work is a serene depiction of boats resting under the moonlight, with a geometric structure emphasized by the diagonal positioning of the vessels. The painting’s cool tones of blues and violets are skillfully contrasted with the luminous yellow moon, offering a profound sense of depth and calm.

Created in 1894, “Camaret, Moonlight and Fishing Boats” is a prime example of Maximilien Luce’s work during his Pointillist period. Luce, a French Neo-impressionist and anarchist, painted this piece at a time when he was deeply involved with the Société des Artistes Indépendants. Influenced by Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, Luce had adopted the meticulous Pointillist technique in 1887, building up his canvases with thousands of precise dots and strokes. The painting represents a view of the small port town of Camaret in the Brittany region, where Luce frequently traveled for inspiration.

It is said that during his visit to Brittany in the early 1890s, Luce was mesmerized by the stillness of the harbor at night, which became a recurring theme in his works. His time in Brittany, marked by close collaborations with other Neo-impressionists, also allowed him to refine his use of Pointillism. This particular piece, while peaceful in appearance, was created during a period when Luce was simultaneously navigating the turbulent political atmosphere in France as a vocal anarchist.

Within the broader context of the Neo-impressionist movement, “Camaret, Moonlight and Fishing Boats” stands out as a synthesis of technique and emotion. The careful arrangement of light and color speaks to Luce’s mastery of Pointillism, but it also conveys a deeper connection to the cultural landscape of Brittany. The fishing boats, a symbol of the region’s livelihood, are painted with great reverence, while the moonlight lends a timeless, almost spiritual quality to the scene. This painting, like much of Luce’s work, reflects his sensitivity to both the beauty of nature and the struggles of everyday life, positioning it as a meaningful contribution to French art in the late 19th century.

This oil painting on canvas measures 28 1/2 x 36 1/4 inches (72.4 x 92.1 cm). The careful application of oil paint, characteristic of Pointillism, results in a surface texture made up of countless small dots and flecks, meticulously arranged to produce the desired optical effects. Luce’s palette in this piece is predominantly cool, utilizing shades of blue, violet, and grey, contrasted by the warm yellow of the moon and its reflection on the water.

After its creation in 1894, the painting was exhibited at several important exhibitions, including the Salon des Indépendants in Paris. Eventually, it found its way into the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum, where it remains today.