'Saint Tropez' by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s)

'Saint Tropez', oil on canvas, by Maurice Empi (circa 1970s). The best way to arrive in Saint-Tropez is probably by yacht—preferably your own. But for the vast majority of us, a walk around the Vieux Port will have to do. This artwork is a vibrant, expressionist harbour scene by Maurice Empi, capturing the iconic waterfront in bold, gestural brushwork and a rich, sun-drenched palette of cobalt blues, ochres, and warm terracottas. Traditional fishing boats with red-and-white hulls crowd the foreground, their masts and rigging rendered confidently, while the quayside beyond bustles with strolling figures, a fluttering French tricolour, and the town's distinctive clock tower rising above a row of pastel-hued façades. A partially visible sign for the "Café du Port" anchors the scene firmly in Saint-Tropez's storied port life, evoking the town's enduring appeal to artists drawn to its light and maritime charm. Of course the name Saint-Tropez now evokes images of sunbathing celebrities, designer boutiques, and luxury yachts. It's hard to believe this glamorous town was once just a humble fishing village. The appeal of Saint-Tropez was first discovered in the late 19th century by the Impressionist painter Paul Signac, who later lured artists such as Matisse and Marquet here. Then in 1955, the film, Et Dieu Créa la Femme (And God Created Woman), starring Brigitte Bardot, forever changed this small port town into a legendary seaside resort, sparkling amid the glitz of the Côte d'Azur (Ref: Lisa Alexander).

Empi's loose, energetic handling and saturated colour sense place the work within the Post-War French Expressionist tradition, echoing the legacy of the many École de Paris painters who found inspiration along the Mediterranean coast. The painting is in good overall condition and has been newly framed with linen slip. Enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request, a video will be provided.

Provenance: Collection Ikono Art; formerly the Collection of the painter Marcestel Squarciafichi — Les peintres témoins de leur temps, École de Paris, artists who exhibited in Japan and internationally.

Dimensions with Frame:

H 61 cm / 24"

W 76 cm /  29.9"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 50 cm / 19.7"

W 65 cm / 25.6"

About the Artist: Maurice Empi was born in Saint Etienne in the Loire Valley in France in 1933. In 1949 he enrolled in the 'Ecole Technique Supérieur de Art et Publicité' in Montparnasse, Paris. His professor and friend, Marcel Basler, also an artist, convinced him to abandon his studies in advertising and graphic design to dedicate his life to art. He's never looked back. His first private exhibition was held in Paris in 1953 and his reputation quickly propelled his work overseas to Stockholm in 1955, London in 1959 and Nagoya and Tokyo in 1971. His works are decidedly collectible and increasing in value as he approaches his mid-nineties. Empi's works have been sold at major auction houses worldwide and held in many civic and private collections. His painting themes feature views of Paris and Venice, horse racing, sailing regattas, musicians and their orchestras and French cafés.