Port of Collioure - the White Horse by André Derain

This gorgeous and vibrant coastal landscape belongs to the heart of the Fauve movement, witnessing the era’s search for the liberation of pure color. Harmoniously integrating the name of the artist Derain André, this work entitled “Port of Collioure - the White Horse” asserts itself as a celebration of Mediterranean light.

In the foreground, small fisherman boats rest on the sandy shore, dotted with bright yellow and orange touches. A small blue cart with red wheels brings a picturesque touch to the paved quay on the right of the canvas. Stylized trees in green and russet tones frame the shore, while in the center, a large sailboat deploys a tall saffron yellow sail next to vertical blue and red masts. The water of the bay is rendered by small pointillist strokes of turquoise, emerald green, and white that catch the sun. On the horizon, a pink band separates the sea from a clear sky.

The painter shows his virtuosity in applying pure matter in fragmented touches. This technique structures the space with dynamism while exalting the luminous vibration of the coastal scene.