'Men in the Port of Nice' by Alfred Salvignol (1962)

'Men in the Port of Nice', gouache on paper, by Alfred Salvignol (1962). The Port of Nice is one of the key hubs of the town and, in fact, of the entire French Riviera, standing out as one of the main harbours for the boats which sail across the Mediterranean Sea. It accommodates both the ships operated by ferry companies and the private yachts of visitors who come to Nice by sea. But it's not just tourists who visit the port area. Many locals also enjoy the views sitting at the cafés in Old Nice (Vieux Nice) since it is situated in a central location. Besides its commercial purposes, it is also viewed as a site where one can relax and take in the fresh air. In the late 1800s a railway line was built linking Nice with the rest of Europe. Once the grand hotels and casinos were established, the rich and regal began flooding in from across the continent and beyond. A bevy of artists, authors, creative and cultural figures came on their heels, particularly during the years between the First and Second World Wars, when wealthy American couple Gerald and Sara Murphy hosted the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Cole Porter, Rudolph Valentino, Dorothy Parker, John Dos Passos and Pablo Picasso. Longtime Cap Ferrat resident Somerset Maugham, who coined the memorable description of the Riviera as 'a sunny place for shady people,' wrote in his autobiographical novel, The Razor’s Edge, 'The shores of the Mediterranean were littered with royals, lured by the climate, or in exile, or escaping a scandalous past or unsuitable marriage.' This painting is a world apart from theirs and in its simplicity lies its beauty. It is in good condition, newly framed and glazed and is signed by the artist in the lower right hand corner with the date, 16th April, 1962. Upon request a video of the artwork may be provided.

About the artist: Alfred Salvignol was born in the late 19th century and worked well into the 20th. He is best known for his works of Mediterranean ports, particularly Nice. His art frequently is the object of spirited bidding at prominent European auction houses. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 36 cm / 14.2"

W 41.5 cm / 16.3"

Dimensions without frame:

H 20.5 cm / 8.1"

W 26.5 cm / 10.4"