Vue de Marseille, d’après nature

Vintage European Landscape Painting on Wood, Likely Marseille (1923)

13 x 9”

A beautifully atmospheric landscape painting on wood, signed and dated 1923. This evocative scene is likely a view of Marseille, with the iconic silhouette of Notre-Dame de la Garde rising on the hill above what appears to be Fort Saint-Nicolas, stretching along the waterfront. The artist’s expressive brushwork and muted pastel palette capture the softness of southern light and the layered textures of the historic city. Painted directly on a wooden panel, the surface has a naturally aged patina that enhances its early 20th-century character.

The reverse inscription, written in French, indicates that it was gifted to Mme Nicalaides on New Year’s Day, 1939—possibly a sentimental date added later or referencing a personal memory. The inclusion of the phrase d’après nature reveals that the artist painted the scene directly from life, rather than imagination. The juxtaposition of a lived-in Marseille cityscape and this personal note only adds to its quiet charm.

Styling tip: This painting’s warm tones and timeworn texture make it a soulful addition to a gallery wall, bookshelf, or desk vignette. Lean it casually or frame it for a more formal presentation. It pairs beautifully with antique books, ceramics, and objects with history.