Lokre

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original oil painting is by the French artist “Lokre” and is dated May 1939. <br> The painting is presented and supplied in a sympathetic contemporary frame (which is shown in these photographs) and is float mounted showing the canvas in its entirety.<br> The canvas and the painted surface have benefitted from cleaning, restoration and conservation, which was performed on our instruction, supervision and approval. <br> This vintage painting is in very good condition. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.<br> The painting is signed lower left.<br> <br> This is a stunning original oil on canvas painting of the Mediterranean Port of La Vieille Darse in Toulon. This is one of the most beautiful harbours in Europe and a modern-day tourist destination. <br> The quayside is called Quai Cronstadt. The buildings featured in this 1939 painting were all but destroyed or severely damaged by aerial bombing in 1943 and 1944.<br> We see the parade of old buildings on the quayside, painted in different colours, with sunshades over the pavement areas. There are people going about their business, and small sailing vessels tethered to the quay. Above is a clear blue sky and the colours of the buildings and boats are reflected in the calm waters of the port, shimmering golds, blues, and yellows, creating a wonderful effect. This image really captures the warmth and charm of the ancient French port over eighty years ago.<br> The painting is signed “Lokre” by the artist in the lower left section, but no more is known about the artist, other than he was evidently highly skilled and had a confident and joyous style. Given the events that followed four months later, he may well have been a young artist whose potential was never realised.<br> The painting is dated on the reverse, “Mai 1939” (May 1939). This is hugely significant as the image captures the essence of this magnificent port immediately before the Second World War impacted its appearance forever. These are the last days of carefree freedom that the town of Toulon would see for five years. This port, with its large naval base, suffered badly in the Second World War. Toulon was liberated by French troops in August 1944. <br> Toulon is the capital of the Var region in south-eastern France. It is France’s principle naval base and has an arsenal, drydocks and shipbuilding yards. This image shows the Darse Vielle, in the west, which is the most sheltered part with well-protected anchorage. Behind it, the Faron Mountains form an imposing backdrop to the town. <br> Today this area has been extensively rebuilt and is a major tourist attraction, and a base from which to explore the Provence region. Nowadays the port offers berths to visiting yachts.