Le Bassin du Roy au Havre

Welcome, everyone! Before you is Le Bassin du Roy au Havre, a captivating painting created in 1906 by Albert Marquet. This beautiful work, measuring 80.5 centimeters wide and 60 centimeters high, is part of the impressive collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen. nn Marquet masterfully captures the tranquil atmosphere of the Bassin du Roy harbor in Le Havre. Notice the calm water, rendered in subtle shades of blue and gray, gently reflecting the buildings along the waterfront. The reflections aren't perfectly mirrored; instead, they're impressionistic, hinting at the movement and light playing on the water's surface. nn The buildings themselves are depicted in muted blues, grays, and browns, creating a continuous line along the harbor. While the architectural details aren't sharply defined, Marquet uses blocks of color and shadow to suggest their form and create a sense of depth. Tall, slender lampposts add vertical lines to the composition, leading your eye through the scene. A darker structure, perhaps a shed, is visible near the center, adding a focal point to the otherwise harmonious arrangement. nn The soft, diffused light suggests either early morning or late afternoon, casting subtle shadows that enhance the three-dimensionality of the buildings. The overall palette is subdued and harmonious, dominated by cool colors, contributing to the painting's peaceful mood. nn Le Bassin du Roy au Havre is a wonderful example of Marquet's style, showcasing his ability to capture the serenity and quiet observation of everyday life. The harbor itself, a recurring motif in his work, subtly suggests themes of trade, travel, or the quiet passage of time. Take a moment to appreciate the artist's skill in conveying such a peaceful and evocative scene.