Paul Signac

Signac's interest in the port of La Rochelle began in 1911, when he first visited this picturesque site on the Atlantic coast of France. The artist revisited this small fishing town many times, fascinated by the brightly coloured fishing boats as they sailed into the harbour between the Tour de St. Nicholas and the Tour de la Chaîne. According to Marina Ferretti-Bocquillon: 'Asked in 1922 why he painted La Rochelle so often, Signac is said to have replied: 'I go there for the boats: for the color of the hulls and the sails. A magnificent sight! They come from all over to sell fish, it's like a library of boats'' (M. Ferretti-Bocquillon, in Signac 1863-1935 (exhibition catalogue), New York, 2001, p. 271).

The Tour des Quatre Sergents, also known as Tour de la Lanterne, is a thirteenth century tower that was gradually incorporated into the fortifications which surround the town. Situated in the town's old port, it served both as a prison and a lighthouse, and is one of La Rochelle's several towers that throughout its history stood as marks of the town's influence and wealth. In the present composition, the tower dominates over the surrounding architecture, its spire rising high towards the sky. The reflection of the buildings and of the sailing boats in the water demonstrates the artist's fascination with the effects of light. Built up of small, quick brushstrokes of bright colours, the present composition uses a mosaic-like technique that creates an energetic, shimmering effect characteristic of Signac's mature style.