Horizon

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

A tranquil countryside view, softly enveloped in a delicate mist. In the foreground, gentle green tones depict rolling vegetation, while the distant hills fade into subtle shades of blue and pink. The partially veiled sky diffuses a soft light, casting a peaceful and harmonious glow over the entire scene.

Sauvaigo’s delicate brushwork and pastel palette enhance the painting’s serene atmosphere, capturing a fleeting moment of calm. The ornate gilded frame adds warmth and elegance, beautifully complementing the composition’s quiet charm.

Condition of note: This painting has a varnish stain that is visible in the cloud region (see close up). The painting is priced accordingly, but please let us know if you would like a further removal of this area prior to shipping if you are the purchaser of this painting.

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: 11.4" x 13.3" / 29.5cm x 34cm.
• Size without the frame: 7.4" x 9.4" / 19cm x 24cm.
• Country: France.
  
• Signed: Charles Martin-Sauvaigo (1881-1970) on the lower right corner. The artwork also features the studio stamp and the artist signature on the reverse.
• Date: Early 20th century. 
• Condition: The artwork bears scattered spots mainly along the edges, with a central transparent stain that has yellowed over time, measuring 2.3" x 1.5". The antique carved frame is in very good condition for its age.
• 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.