The painting itself has a grandeur despite its humble subject. At the water’s edge, the prow of a fishing boat reaches towards the viewer. Feather-quick, angular brushwork carves the pebbled path of the promenade, upon which figures stroll towards us in gentle clutter of dark, rustic hues. Behind them, coastal cottages and hotels stretch charmingly from sunlight to shade. The strokes of the sky arc and roll, as if the scene exists inside a pearl. Finally, as the anchor of the painting in its atmosphere and colour, the sea sways in its elongated and textured dashes: tremulous, iridescent, and tranquil.

In this manner, Loiseau synthesizes his experiences of other northern port scenes, both in his own work, and that of Monet and Maufra. Pooling attitudes from each artist’s own set of waterside collections, his palette alters its vibrancy on atmospheric pretensions, opting for a wonderful clarity in mood. This painting illustrates the growth of personal confidence at this point in Loiseau’s career. As his cross-hatched style begins to come forth and eclipse his Impressionist origins, he grows in conviction. Like the symbol of the fishing boat to Martigues’ history, this painting shows Loiseau’s style as opulent and innovative, whilst acknowledging his past.

To look at this painting, one is transported through the misty sea air, the sound of seagulls overhead, pastis in hand, caught up in the atmosphere and history of Martigues.