catalog text
"FISHERMEN AT SEA" BY FAUSTO GIUSTO (ITALIAN, 1867-1941)
Signed lower right, oil on canvas
Item # 130104PGE20
This is a simply gorgeous and expertly conserved antique genre painting by Fausto Giusto perfectly captures a scene of fishermen at sea, the coastline faintly visible in the background. References for Giusto note him as being born in Naples, Italy in 1867 and a large body of work signed by him was painted during the years of 1890-1910, much of this portraying international scenes with vivid color. Painting major cities, scenes and locations throughout Europe, Giusto also executed several outstanding works capturing life on the sea. Much of his work was later produced as etched prints, many of these incredible original paintings held in private collections and museums around the world. His work has been something of a mystery though, with a wealth of incredible art in his name but with a very slim biography to accompany it - in recent years, however, connections have been made between signed works of Giusto and the distinct likeness to the style of Eugene Galien-Laloue. Galien-Laloue's work underwent extensive research by Noe Willer, who published a book documenting many of his pseudonym's and works. In cataloging a work offered at auction, Sotheby's noted "F. Giusto" as being an identified pseudonym for Eugene Galien-Laloue - the catalogue in pdf format is attached by clicking "Literature" below.
We have had the present example professionally conserved; due to the fragility of the canvas, we had it relined on the original stretchers and a two repairs completed to the surface. The result is an exceptionally beautiful work with perhaps 3% inpainting to the surface. The colors are vivid and compelling, the use of light against the water being incredibly effective, this captured with such precision to blend perfectly with the sky - without cloud cover, it would be nearly impossible to distinguish the transition from ocean to sky, such is the depth of the blue found in this body of water. The boat springs to the forefront of the image, full of detail and character. This is a very fine selection for serious collectors of the French Barbizon school and for those passionate about late 19th century seascapes and nautical works.
Notes:
- Sotheby's, Nov 23 2010, lot 177,gouache on paper 7 1/2" x 12 1/4" signed "f. giusto" with cachet of galien-laloue on reverse - sold $10,490 (6250 gbp)
- Christies, sale 8889, lot 90, "at the gare st. lazore towards the end of the day", 8" x 17 1/2", signed lower right "f. giusto" - sold $4,238
- Christies, sale 8889, lot 91, "pont neuf, paris", 8 3/4" x 13 1/2", signed lower right "f. giusto" - sold $5,779
Measurements: [framed] 33 11/16" high x 26 1/8" wide; [canvas] 30" high x 22 3/8" wide
Condition report:
Exceptional conserved condition; recently cleaned and relined with a tiny tear and a small hole repaired (tear upper left corner, tiny hole where boat hull meets water). Under uv it appears to have only had touch ups in the two repairs, though the fresh varnish somewhat obscures examination of other pigments.