Impressionist painting signed, Oil on canvas, Marine French school 1888

Hello, I am offering an authentic work from the late 19th century signed M. OLIVIER, bearing the mention "after LE SENECHAL". This oil on canvas depicts a lively port scene at dusk in misty weather. This painting, structured in an "L" shape following the edges of the two quays, is an study of light refraction through the interplay of light and material. The artist uses quick vertical strokes to represent the reflection of the masts in the choppy water. The water takes on the tones of the sky and the hulls, which is typical of murky port waters. It is likely a "grisaille", a painting style highly appreciated during the same period as Gustan LE SENECHAL de KERDREORET, to whom this work is dedicated. The boats depicted are mostly traditional fishing vessels. We observe "luggers" and "bisquines" located in the centre and to the left, with "two and three-masted" boats visible, featuring a large mast and a foremast at the front, as well as trapezoidal sails known as "au tiers". A yardarm fixed at a third of its length, which is a piece of wood arranged in a cross supporting the top of the sail, can be recognised. The sails, tinted in ochre/dark brown, come from "tanning". These canvases were soaked in a decoction of oak bark or catechu to protect them from moisture and salt. A complex "rigging" is discernible with a large mast, a foremast, and perhaps a transom at the back. This type of boat was used for deep-sea fishing and cabotage for transporting goods between ports. A "schooner" is located on the right. The boat in the distance in the port on the right has a different profile with a lateen sail fixed on a boom at the bottom and a horn at the top. A jib, which is a triangular sail pointing towards the bow, can be guessed. Frame dimensions: 54.5 cm X 46.5 cm. Artwork dimensions: 46 cm X 34 cm. Very serious seller, robust shipping.