'The Fishermen' by Anna Costa (circa 1970s)

'The Fishermen', oil on canvas, by Anna Costa (circa 1970s). Cassis is a small, Provencal fishing village in southern France, located about 45 minutes east of Marseille and 45 minutes south of Aix-en-Provence. Known for its calanques (large rocky limestone coves), beaches, and beautiful port overlooked by a medieval chateau, Cassis isn’t exactly the image that comes to mind when you think of a typical town in Provence. But stepping into Cassis is like stepping into an impressionist painting, and nowhere is that more true than Cassis’ harbour, the Port de Cassis. In the 1960s and 70s, it was less popular for visitors than it is today. The artist's depiction here reveals a sleepy autumnal day in the port, the fishermen on the quay surveying the arrival of their workmate rowing in on a dinghy. Costa created this image using huge, audacious brushstrokes in both vibrant and muted colours. Overhead, the blue sky hosts large clouds nudged by Provence's northerly winds and the artist's brush. What is very clear is that Costa's artworks' charm springs from their naive simplicity and unassuming subjects. 

Overall, the quality of light in Provence is one of the region's most distinctive features, and it has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and artistic identity of the area. The colours in Costa's artworks are famous for their richness and vibrancy, and the quality of light in the region plays a big part in this. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying the listing. It is in good overall condition commensurate with age and is newly framed with a French-style linen slip. Upon request a video will be provided. The stamp of the artist's atelier appears on the back side of the stretcher frame as is the case with the vast majority of her works. 

About the Artist: Anna Costa (approx: 1922-2022) painted in her Provençal village in the Cavaillon area from the 1940s until the 1970s. Upon her passing, her estate released her art into the market where dealers around the world are clambering for her works. Costa's art is characterised by its bright colours and strong naive style which make them instantly recognisable. This style is called Provençal Colourism. It is a regional art movement that emerged in the South of France in the early 20th century. It is also characterised by bright and bold colours, as well as strong contracts between light and shadow. The movement drew inspiration from the natural beauty of the region including its landscapes, people and traditions. 

Dimensions With Frame: 

H 61.5 cm / 24.2"

W 76 cm / 39.9"

Dimensions without Frame: 

H 49 cm / 19.3"

W 64 cm / 25.2"