Marseille, Prado Beach Around 1900, By Emile Henry

Forget what you see today at the David roundabout at the bottom of the Prado leading to the beaches developed in the 80s. Everything was very different then: the sea came almost to the foot of the parapet bordering the coastal road, no pseudo-Florentine statue yet, and on the land side, charming summer houses with their gardens and their gates. Elegant carriages circulated, uncovered to enjoy the sun, but the ladies preferred to keep their large hats and umbrellas on so as not to see their skin tan. The gentlemen, impeccably dressed, top hats screwed on their heads, their hands casually resting on their canes, chatted about some maritime affairs. The Redonnet restaurant, the chalet at the water's edge, will offer a welcome break during this walk, tossed on the double springs of the Victoria coupé, to the clattering sound of hooves. No horns, no gasoline fumes, no stench of fried food, no shorts or leggings on the verge of explosion... just a little dung on the sea air. In the distance, the blue hills of Marseilleveyre are lost in the vapor of a pretty summer sky. This is the charming picture that Émile Henry, a prolific watercolorist from the turn of the century, fixes in Marseille. He tirelessly illustrated the city in full expansion, at the height of glory, with pretty panoramas, always in the same format, with brilliance. If some of his watercolors are a little quick, this one is particularly detailed and perfectly original. Indeed, having lived twenty-five years practicing the profession of antique dealer in this fascinating city, I had never come across a representation of this establishment, which disappeared in 1916 with the death of its owner. However, there are rare postcards (it is thanks to this that I was able to identify it). This is a gem, a lovely document on Marseille that has vanished... Frame (a few small chips) and original pass) very fresh watercolor. Dimensions on sight of this one: 41 cm x 23 cm