La Dordogne

20th-century French oil painting on wood panel, signed Charles Martin-Sauvaigo (1881-1970) on the lower right corner and located in Dordogne, on the back. 

A picturesque summer view of Dordogne, rendered with impressionistic accents and a warm, inviting palette. In the foreground, traditional red-tiled houses typical of the region nestle among lush greenery. Beyond them, a winding river meanders through rolling hills, softened by the gentle glow of summer light.

Sauvaigo’s expressive brushwork and rich use of color bring movement and vibrancy to the composition, while the play of light enhances the depth of the scene. The painting is elegantly presented in a 19th-century carved frame, which beautifully complements its warmth and timeless charm.

About Charles Martin-Sauvaigo (1881-1970)

Born on February 7, 1881, in Carras, a district of Nice, Charles Martin-Sauvaigo grew up in a family of farmers. His talent was recognized early by Félix Ziem, a key figure of the Barbizon School and a friend of Chopin and Rodin, who encouraged him to pursue an artistic career.

Trained under Alexis Mossa, he later joined the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he quickly distinguished himself by winning several competitions. His first official commissions came from the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes and the Nice Chamber of Commerce.

At just 24, he exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français, earning multiple awards, including a gold medal in 1937. In 1922, he was appointed Official Painter of the French Navy, a role that allowed him to travel extensively and explore new artistic perspectives. His career was marked by prestigious commissions, including a vast 400-square-meter diorama for the Côte d’Azur Pavilion at the 1937 Paris Exposition Universelle, as well as paintings for luxury ocean liners such as the SS Île de France.

Despite his many travels, Martin-Sauvaigo remained deeply connected to his homeland. He captured the harbors, landscapes, and rural scenes of the Niçois region and Provence, masterfully portraying the region’s distinctive light with a colorful yet subtle palette. His painting La Provence - Moulin de Daudet, an homage to the writer Alphonse Daudet, was exhibited at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

Throughout his life, he actively advocated for artists’ recognition and was inducted into the Académie de Marine. He received the vermeil medal from the city of Paris and, in 1929, was named an Officer of the Légion d’Honneur.

Charles Martin-Sauvaigo passed away on November 9, 1970, in Paris. The city of Nice honored his legacy by naming an alley in his birthplace after him. Today, some of his paintings are preserved in the Musée Masséna in Nice and the Musée d’Art Moderne in Paris.

• Overall Size: 12.5" x 16.9" / 32cm x 43cm.
• Size without the frame: 7" x 11.4" / 18.5cm x 29cm.
• Country: France.
  
• Signed: The artwork features the studio stamp and the artist signature on the reverse.
• Date: Early 20th century. 
• Condition: The artwork has small marks and some visible losses in the sky area, as well as linear marks due to a previous framing, visible on the upper left edge.
• Materials: Oil painting on wood panel with an antique curved wooden frame. 
• Shipping: This painting includes free shipping. An additional fee is applied for Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.