Oil on canvas, signed at lower left, presented in the likely original frame with linen liner.

Stretcher size 21 1/4 x 29 in.; Frame dimensions 28 x 35 1/2 in.

Pierre Philippe Bertrand was a French painter celebrated for his mastery of light and color in the Impressionist style. Born in Lorient (Morbihan), France, to a family originally from Luzon, he had a profound connection with the sea and small villages, which became prominent subjects in his work. Bertrand debuted in 1907 at the Paris Salons and held his first solo exhibition in 1914 at a London gallery. That same year, his friend and fellow painter Pégot-Ogier honored him with an exhibition in Paris, both of which were highly successful.
The outbreak of World War I interrupted his flourishing career. Bertrand joined the resistance but was captured behind enemy lines in December 1915 and imprisoned at Mannheim Camp, where he painted portraits of his fellow prisoners. For his bravery, he was awarded the War Cross after the war. Upon returning to France, he discovered the beauty of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île in the Atlantic Ocean, where he opened his first studio. The island's magical Mediterranean light deeply influenced his work. Bertrand also cherished the Île d'Yeu, painting there each summer for over 30 years, further exploring the interplay of light and color that defined his art.

Surface grime; small blemish to canvas at top center near frame edge; yellowing varnish.