Jean Robert Ithier (1904-1977) Ars en Ré, View of the church, oil on canvas signed

Ars en Ré, view of the church. Oil on canvas signed at the bottom left. The church of Ars-en-Ré, a picturesque village located on the island of Ré in the Atlantic Ocean, is very famous for its black and white bell tower. This served as a "lighthouse" or more precisely a "marker": these buildings were visible from afar at sea during the day and helped guide boats. Jean-Robert Ithier offers a dramatic and striking interpretation of this place. The role of the tree on the right is crucial in conveying this impression of solitude and tragic beauty.