Sea and Boats
Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858-1924)
Sea and Boats, c. 1907
Watercolor on paper laid down on board
34.2 x 50.2 cm (13 7/16 x 19 3/4 in.)
Signed, lower right: Prendergast
Provenance
Charles Prendergast (1863–1948), from 1924; Walter Pach (1883–1958), by 1934; sold at auction, Parke-Bernet, New York, Modern Paintings, American Paintings, and Works by Mexican Artists: From the Collection of Walter Pach together with Property of Mrs. Jacob H. Rand, 6 Jan. 1949, no. 26; purchased by Henry Pearlman, New York; Henry and Rose Pearlman Foundation.
Critical Perspective
Prendergast’s early gravitation to Post-Impressionism during his first extended stay in Paris (1891–94) led to his creation of a distinctive watercolor technique involving closely placed patches of vibrant color. This work was probably made near the French seaside resort town of Saint Mâlo (Brittany), which the artist visited in 1907.