**Originally Listed At $3000**
Gerard Mortier (French, b. 1951), "Les Gondolas a Venise", 2010. Signed by the artist on the lower right. Title, signature, and date on the verso of canvas and stretchers as well. A beautiful oil on canvas painting presenting a mesmerizing Venetian scene. A group of gondolas floating on the crystalline blue waters of the canal in the foreground draws the viewer into the composition; our eyes traverse the waters, all the while gazing upon the marvelous Venetian skyline with Saint Mark's Basilica beckoning like a pearl in the distance. Mortier captures the magical romance of this fairy tale city that has no major roads, only watery canals, lined with breathtaking Renaissance palaces, palazzos, and churches on the waterfront. Size: 28.625" W x 21.25" H (72.7 cm x 54 cm)
Demonstrating his undeniable skill with brush and palette knife, Mortier uses thick applications of paint in rich jewel tones as well as luminous hues that seem to reflect the light - akin to old masters like Canaletto who also relished the way that light plays off the water and reflects rainbows of color onto the magnificent architecture in Venice, because of this city's unique position on the water.
Born in 1951 in Boulogne sur Mer, France, Gerard Mortier has been dubbed the "Ambassador of the Opal Coast" and most of his works depict lands on the English Channel - palpably capturing the power of the wind and sea that characterize this region of France. Hence, this view of Venice is a bit of a departure for him, but oh what a fine departure it is! Mortier's skill seems tailor-made for capturing the beauty of "The Floating City"!
Gerard Mortier's recent exhibits include: Joel Dupuis – Hardelot, France (permanent); Vent des Cimes – Grenoble, France (permanent); Prestige – Montreux, Switzerland (permanent); Smith-Klein Gallery, Boulder, Colorado, USA (permanent); Ramesh Art Gallery, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Gallery Oil and Water, London, England
In addition, Gerard Mortier appeared on national French television on May 10, 2015. To see the feature, follow this link: https://www.lci.fr/france/zoom-sur-le-cap-gris-nez-le-cap-blanc-nez-et-leurs-falaises-majestueuses-1200456.html - Mortier appears at minute 4:00. Mortier also appeared on "Vous Etes Formidables" (You Are Fabulous), a nationally broadcast show on July 5, 2018; you may see the interview at about minute 7 on this link: https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/hauts-de-france/emissions/vous-etes-formidables
Provenance: private Boulder, Colorado, USA collection
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#138148
Condition
Excellent. Superb!