Port De Rotterdam 

Curator: Right now, we're standing in front of "Port De Rotterdam," a painting by Maximilien Luce, executed in oils. It’s a particularly fine example of his urban landscapes, alive with industrial energy, rendered with an Impressionist's touch. Editor: My first thought? It’s a harbor holding its breath. Like the world is about to be reborn, maybe not entirely sure what's next but trusting in the current to carry on regardless. It is as though the scene is filled with anticipatory, dreamy stillness. Curator: That's interesting, as this work perfectly showcases Luce’s deftness with color to capture atmosphere. Look how the smoky, industrial haze softens the light, playing across the water and the hulls of the ships. The light is amazing. Editor: Absolutely. The light here isn’t just light, it's a kind of feeling. Do you know that quiet when the light hits water in a specific kind of way? That's what this painting captured to me: it almost looks unreal to me, though I guess you could have captured it outdoors since they say it is made en plein-air. I wonder if they would stop by every day at sunset just to feel the painting be alive? Curator: He was very engaged with the play of light en plein-air indeed. What also is key, however, is Luce's engagement with color theory: if you notice the almost scientifically accurate distribution of color across the surface to convey the textures and depth. Not quite Pointillist, but you can observe the roots of Neo-Impressionist technique here. Editor: That makes me consider those chimneys on the distant land further: they may spew pollution that obscures reality, that might lead a sensitive soul such as the artist to create something so soft around the edges. It softens and softens to blur things so that they become safe in our view. The colors help to embrace, they feel very intimate in their embrace. I see pinks, greens and blues like I see myself after staring into the ocean depths! Curator: A fine connection there. The city comes to be almost water, reflecting off itself and softening things. You said earlier, stillness, anticipation and peace -- all present here. But a certain modernity peeks out, it may be soft but progress roars in the distance. Editor: Thanks! To think, all this just from one look. Curator: Thank you, it was insightful, you really had me looking at that harbor.