The Chasse-marée at Anchor
Painting on canvas • Claude Monet (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas employing wet-on-wet technique, loose brushwork, and atmospheric perspective characteristic of early Impressionism.
Creation Period
Circa 1872
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 48 x 64 cm; landscape format.
Subject Description
A maritime scene featuring a traditional French coastal trading vessel (chasse-marée) anchored in a harbor, likely near Rouen or Le Havre. The composition emphasizes the play of light on water and the verticality of the masts against a misty, overcast sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears structurally sound with well-preserved pigment and minimal surface aging.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000,000 - $8,000,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$4,000,000 - $7,000,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a major gallery or museum collection, given the high-quality gilded exhibition frame. Historically associated with Monet's explorations of the Seine estuary.
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of Monet's early experimental phase which led to the 1874 Impressionist exhibition. It showcases his interest in industrial/nautical subjects and the ephemeral qualities of light and fog.
Notable Features
Prominent signature in the lower right; housed in a lavish late 19th-century style carved giltwood frame with ornate floral and shell motifs.
Condition Issues
Minor age-related craquelure across the surface; slight yellowing of varnish consistent with age; no visible losses or major restorations.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment (50% RH, 20°C). Use UV-filtering glass and low-intensity LED lighting. Professional cleaning of the varnish could be considered but is not urgent.