The artwork titled “Boats at Martigues,” painted circa 1908 by Raoul Dufy, is an exemplar of the Fauvism movement. With dimensions of 65 by 54 centimeters, the painting falls under the genre of “marina.” It is currently housed at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, United Kingdom.
The artwork vividly portrays a collection of boats moored at Martigues. Employing the vivid and non-naturalistic colors characteristic of Fauvism, Dufy captures an energetic and dynamic scene. The boats are rendered in bold hues of red, green, blue, and yellow. The strokes are broad and fluid, imbuing the scene with a sense of movement and liveliness. The composition exudes a joyful and playful atmosphere, enhanced by the vibrant palette and abstract treatment of the subject matter. The overall effect is one of harmony and spontaneity, reflecting Dufy’s innovative approach to color and form.