Edmond De Maertelaere - Old Woman in Pont-Aven

This striking portrait, painted by the Belgian artist Edmond De Maertelaere (1876-1938), captures the very essence of rural life in Pont-Aven. A significant figure of Modern Art, the artist moves away from academic portraiture here to offer a profound psychological study. The work follows the tradition of the Breton school from the late 19th century, where the subject's dignity is magnified by a bold pictorial technique.

The technique used, oil on canvas, is distinguished by a background treatment of vibrant vertical hatchings, creating a stark contrast with the woman's dark and austere silhouette. The work on the skin tones and facial wrinkles reveals an exceptional mastery of light, characteristic of the Belgian Luminist movement. The state of conservation is remarkable, allowing for the appreciation of the material's richness and the precision of the original brushwork.

A prime selection for a discerning collector, this piece is authenticated by the artist's Signature at the bottom right in red pigments. Its provenance linked to Pont-Aven enhances its historical and artistic value, placing this canvas at the heart of the era's stylistic revolutions. It represents a valuable testament to the influence of Breton travels on painters of the Ghent School.