Harbor Scene at Saint Guénolé
Signed Alfr. Wahlberg and dated St Guénolé 99. Canvas 45 x 73 cm.
Bukowski Auktioner AB, auktion 586, 2015, cat. no 937.
Private Collection, USA.
The painting depicts the peaceful coastal environment of Saint Guénolé in Brittany, France, reflecting the serene life around the turn of the century. The viewer's attention is immediately drawn to a group of fishing boats anchored along the shore. Wahlberg's colour palette is dominated by soothing blues, interspersed with shades of green, purple, and fiery orange, all harmonizing under a tranquil sky.
At the center of the painting stands a horse with a carriage, perhaps awaiting cargo from the workers loading and unloading the day's catch. To the left, two lighthouses rise – Phare d'Eckmühl, also known as the Point Penmarch lighthouse, one of the world's tallest lighthouses, next to Tour á Feu Chapelle. These structures stand as silent witnesses to Brittany's rich maritime heritage and the security they once provided to sailors.
Alfred Wahlberg, with his Swedish roots, was widely renowned for his nocturnal landscapes and scenes from Swedish rural life. His travels across Europe added an interesting dimension to his works, capturing vistas that combined the raw beauty of nature.