Enrique Martínez-Cubells Madrid 1874-Málaga 1947

Cubells was one of a group of artists, among them José Mongrell, Cecilio Plá, and Eliseo Meifrén (lots 150-153, 155, 160, 164, 165, 201), to be profoundly influenced by the energetic personality and vigorous style of the Spanish doyen of plein air painting, Joaquín Sorolla. These followers were of very different backgrounds and developed their own unmistakable styles.

In the present work, Cubells takes up a subject dear to Sorolla, but interprets it in a wholly novel way. Typically, Cubell's vantage point is from above the scene looking down on the boats and harbour, giving the composition a strong sense of focus. The painting also exemplifies Cubells' masterful handling of twilight. His ability to capture the calm atmosphere of dawn and dusk using subtle grey, brown and black tonalities is unique among the 'Sorollistas'.