PROVENANCE
Robert Bruce Morrice, brother of the Artist, Montreal
W. Scott & Sons, Montreal
A.K. Prakash & Associates Inc., Toronto
Masters Gallery Ltd., Calgary
Peter Ohler Fine Arts Ltd., Vancouver
Private Collection, Vancouver

EXHIBITED
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, label verso

James Wilson Morrice’s Concarneau captures the poetic essence of the famed Breton port, a location that inspired generations of artists, including the French Impressionists. Painted in 1910, this intimate oil sketch distills the charm of coastal France through Morrice’s signature economy of form and colour. A master of atmosphere, Morrice layers soft, muted hues to evoke the quiet rhythm of harbour life. The silhouetted figure in the foreground, draped in an earthy ochre coat, anchors the composition, while the luminous reflections on the water suggest the subtle movement of the tide. The bridge and clock tower, painted with rapid, confident strokes, hint at Concarneau’s rich architectural history, their softened contours lending a dreamlike quality to the scene.

Morrice, celebrated for his ability to synthesize European modernism with a distinct Canadian sensibility, used small panels like this as working studies for larger compositions. His assured handling of oil on board demonstrates an intuitive grasp of colour harmonies and a restrained yet evocative palette. This fine work was in the collection of Robert Morrice, the artist’s brother, and later sold by W. Scott & Sons, Montreal. Established in 1859, W. Scott & Sons played a pivotal role in handling Morrice’s work throughout his career and for the estate.

Concarneau stands as a testament to Morrice’s lifelong pursuit of light and atmosphere, an enduring hallmark of his artistic vision.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars