Fishing boats at Collioure 

Henri Martin painted Fishing boats at Collioure during a time when French artists were increasingly drawn to the Mediterranean coast, seeking new light and inspiration. This painting reflects the charm of Collioure, but also hints at the lives of its inhabitants. Martin’s pointillist technique captures the shimmering light on the water, animating the scene with a vibrant energy. Yet, it’s the solitary figure in one of the boats that draws our attention. The faceless person seems lost in thought or hard at work. The boats, rendered in lively greens and reds, bob gently, reflecting the quiet endurance of the local fishermen and their families. In his paintings, Martin sought to represent not just what he saw, but also what he felt. "I want to paint the joy and sorrow of life," he once said. This artwork encapsulates that sentiment, inviting us to consider the personal stories embedded in the broader panorama of life by the sea.