Albert Marquet (1875–1947) was a French painter associated with the Fauvist movement, though his style evolved over time to embrace a more naturalistic approach. Born in Bordeaux, he moved to Paris in 1890 to study at the École des Arts Décoratifs, where he met Henri Matisse. Their friendship and mutual influence persisted throughout their lives.
In 1892, Marquet began studying under Gustave Moreau at the École des Beaux-Arts. His early works, characterized by vibrant colors and bold brushwork, aligned with the Fauvist style. He exhibited alongside Matisse and other Fauves at the 1905 Salon d'Automne, where critics dubbed them "les Fauves" (the wild beasts) due to their unconventional use of color.
As his career progressed, Marquet's palette softened, and he adopted a more subdued, naturalistic style. He focused primarily on landscapes, seascapes, and urban scenes, often painting from elevated viewpoints to capture the interplay of light and water. His extensive travels took him across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, providing diverse subjects for his art.
Marquet's works are celebrated for their harmonious compositions and sensitive rendering of atmosphere. He continued to paint until his death in 1947, leaving a significant legacy within French art.
TODAY: This is the view of the Southern cliffs, where there was until very recently a casino.
TODAY: You can still view the outer harbor, along with the chapel and farm perched atop the cliffs—referred to as the Golden Coast due to its high real estate values. However, the area now also features a network of German bunkers from World War II.