Items Similar to Mid-20th Century Oil on Board Abstract Impressionist Maritime Scene, René Genis
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
René GenisMid-20th Century Oil on Board Abstract Impressionist Maritime Scene, René GenisUnknown
Unknown
$2,350
£1,775.82
€2,050.63
CA$3,283.77
A$3,643.62
CHF 1,908.61
MX$44,680.56
NOK 24,276.82
SEK 22,916.28
DKK 15,292.86
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Step into the bustling energy of a portside moment with René Genis’ “Les Grues” (The Cranes)”, a captivating oil-on-mat-board painting that transforms the industrial into a work of poetic beauty. Signed with a flourish in the lower left and titled on the verso—where a handwritten note suggests Bordeaux as its muse—this piece portrays a merchant ship mid-loading, its deck alive with activity. Towering cranes, their angular forms slicing through the composition, dominate the scene, their silhouettes etched against a sky awash in soft grays and blues. These cool tones ripple like the nearby waters, reflecting the moody ambiance of a working harbor. Splashes of vibrant orange—perhaps the glint of cargo or the glow of a setting sun—ignite the canvas, balanced by crisp whites that highlight the ship’s hull and scattered port details. Measuring 20.625” x 25.625” (52.39 cm x 65.09 cm) with a slim 1” depth (2.54 cm), this painting commands attention without overwhelming, its scale ideal for a striking focal point.
Genis’ mastery shines in the details: the cranes’ stark lines contrast with the fluid, almost abstract rendering of the ship and sea, a hallmark of his Abstract Impressionist style. The oil on mat board medium adds a subtle texture, with the board’s surface catching the paint in a way that deepens the interplay of light and shadow—imagine the rough grain accentuating the cranes’ edges or the smooth sweeps of blue suggesting distant waves. The palette dances between cool and warm, evoking the clash of industry and nature, while his Fauvist-inspired color choices infuse the scene with a lively, almost musical rhythm. This isn’t just a port; it’s a living tableau, pulsing with the spirit of Bordeaux’s historic docks—or wherever your imagination sets the sails.
About the Artist: René Genis (1922-2004) was a French visionary born in Hué, Vietnam, where the lush tropics of his early years shaped his love for fluid, atmospheric landscapes. Returning to France in 1931, he settled near Bordeaux in the Gironde, a region whose ports and rivers fueled his art. Genis studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux (1940-1945) on a scholarship, later honing his craft at Paris’ École des Arts Décoratifs under giants like Albert Marquet and Marcel Gromaire. His breakout came with a 1956 solo show at Galerie Charpentier in Paris, launching a career that spanned continents. A prize-winner at the Salon de la Jeune Peinture (1960) and a fixture at the Salon Comparaisons, Genis’ works—celebrated for their Fauvist palette and poetic realism—grace collections like the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, the National Library of Paris, and the Fine Arts Museum of Lyon. A collaborator with New York’s David Findlay Galleries and a teacher at the Collège de Pontoise, he influenced artists like Swiss painter Andry, leaving a legacy that bridges Eastern serenity and Western dynamism. “Les Grues” channels his Bordeaux roots and maritime passion into a timeless treasure.
In good condition for its age, this painting carries authentic traces of its history: a ½” tear on the right mid-sheet (discreetly frameable), a slight crumple in the lower left corner, and minor spot losses at the lower corners (all vividly captured in photos). These subtle marks fade beneath the work’s bold presence, adding character to its journey. This is a rare steal for a Genis oil of this scale and subject—an unbeatable value for 1stdibs collectors seeking art with soul and story.
Picture it in a coastal library, urban dining room, or gallery wall—its nautical vigor transforming your space. Don’t let this Genis gem slip away—secure it now and own a piece of 20th-century French brilliance.
- Creator:René Genis (1922-2004, French)
- Creation Year:Unknown
- Dimensions:Height: 20.625 in (52.39 cm)Width: 25.625 in (65.09 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:Good (½” tear on right, slight crumple lower left, minor spot losses—see photos).
- Gallery Location:Berlin, MD
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU137626715782
René Genis
René Genis was born on July 26, 1922 in Hué, Annam, French Indonesia (Vietnam). Genis went with his family to Gironde, Arcachon in Bordeaux, France in 1931. Starting in 1940 he studied for five years at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Bordeaux, which won him a four year scholarship to the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in Paris with Albert Marquet and Marcel Gromaire. He exhibited at the Salon de la Jeune Peinture and participated in group shows throughout France. He had his first one-man show at Galerie Charpentier in Paris in 1956. A painter, printmaker and illustrator, Genis taught at the College de Pontoise. From that time, Genis exhibited his paintings at the Salon de la Jeune Peinture, and he received the prize in 1960. For forty years, he exhibited regularly at the Salon Comparaisons in the group of Maurice Boitel. He was also a member of the Society of French Painters-Engravers. Genis is famous with his elegant still-life painting. No matter if the theme is Oriental scenery or French countryside, he always keeps a very poetry serenely ambience. With other artists like Guy Bardone, André Brasilier, Bernard Cathelin, and Paul Guiramand, Genis is also one of the important members of the Parisian Neo-Figurative School. His work has been collected by Musée d'art moderne de la ville de Paris, National Library of Paris, Fine Arts Museum of Lyon, Yamagata Museum of Art etc. René Genis was influenced by the group of poetic realists with Christian Caillard, Jules Cavaillès, Raymond Legueult, Roger Limouse, Roland Oudot, André Planson, etc. The Swiss painter Andry acknowledges being influenced by him. (Bio sourced from the Archives of AskArt - Submitted 2022 by: Jacob Frank)
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2010
1stDibs seller since 2020
62 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Berlin, MD
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllUntitled
Located in Berlin, MD
Stanley Sporny (American 1946 - 2008) A view into a stream with overhanging branches reflected in the water. A beautiful oil painting that explores the stream bottom as well as the ...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Port Brenton
By Gabriel Deschamps
Located in Berlin, MD
Gabriel Deschamps (1919 - , France) "Port Brenton". Oil on board, framed. The frame is 21” x 24," the board is 15" high by 18" wide. This is a beautiful port scene with blues, gre...
Category
Late 20th Century French School Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
House By A Lake
By Paul Guiramand
Located in Berlin, MD
Paul Guiramand (French 1926-2007) Abstract painting of a house by a lake. Oil on Canvas. Expressive blues of the water and sky with greens reds, brow...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Untitled
By André Cottavoz
Located in Berlin, MD
Andre Cottavoz (French, 1922-2012) Untitled, Paris scene with multitude of French flags. Canvas on board, framed. Frame: 20 1/2" x 22" x 1 1/4, Board 13 3/4" x 15"
Category
1990s Abstract Interior Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
"Hong Kong"
By René Genis
Located in Berlin, MD
Rene Genis (French 1922-2004) “Hong Kong” Harbor view of battle ship and fishing boat with city and mountains in the background. Greys, blues, and gr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
"Bateaux à quai" / Boats At Berth
By Gabriel Deschamps
Located in Berlin, MD
Gabriel Deschamps (French — 1919 - ?) "Bateaux à quai" / Boats At Berth. Oil on Canvas. Large, well framed piece in very good condition. Frame: 45 1/2” x 26 1/2” x 2 1/2”, Canvas 19 7/8” x 39 1/2”.
Gabriel Deschamps was born in 1919 and studied at the École Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. From 1939 he was a State Art Professor and a member of the Paris Autumn Salon...
Category
Mid-20th Century French School Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
You May Also Like
MAURICE MAZEILIE - FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST OIL - SHIPPING HARBOUR
By Maurice Mazeilie
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Shipping
by Maurice Mazeilie (French)
oil painting on card, unframed
stamped verso
inscribed verso
painting: 6 x 8.5 inches
A delightful original oil painting by the 20th century F...
Category
20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
Mid 20thCentury Modernist: Harbour Scene in Morning Light Oil circa 1950's
Located in Frome, Somerset
A fine mid 20th Century impressionist harbour scene oil circa 1950's, Signed lower right.
oil on canvas 27cmx 46.5cm
Painted wood frame 45cmx 64cm
Wonderfully painted plein air. Ve...
Category
1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil
$609 Sale Price
53% Off
Port. Big Ship 1964. Oil on cardboard, 55x70 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Port. Big Ship 1964. Oil on cardboard, 55x70 cm
He learned at State Technique of Riga, architecture department.
1937 –Latvian academy of Art, landscape Studio of V. Purvitis, with ...
Category
1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
$2,146 Sale Price
20% Off
Off Boulogne, French Harbor Scene, Chicago Artist, Large 1950s Abstract Oil
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Alfred Cohen (American, 1920 - 2001)
Signed: A. Cohen (Lower, Right)
Stamped: Atelier Alfred Cohen (on Canvas Verso)
" Off Boulogne ", circa 1950s
Oi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Ships in port Oil on cardboard, 56, 5x64, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Ships in port. Oil on cardboard, 56,5x64,5 cm
He learned at State Technique of Riga, architecture department.
1937 –Latvian academy of Art, landscape Studio of V. Purvitis, with dip...
Category
1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
$2,146 Sale Price
20% Off
At the Port. 1966, oil on cardboard, 56x69, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
At the Port. 1966, oil on cardboard, 56x69,5 cm
He learned at State Technique of Riga, architecture department.
1937 –Latvian academy of Art, landscape Studio of V. Purvitis, with d...
Category
1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
$2,146 Sale Price
20% Off
More Ways To Browse
Swiss 20th Century Artists
Vintage Western Illustrations
Ship Cargo Light
Lyon Industrial
Dennis Burlingame
Laguna Jewelry
Loire Valley Oil Painting
Louis Weber Art
Niagara Falls Painting
Rupert Jason Smith
Scottish Harbour
Texas Framed Art Longhorns
Antique German Santa
Freight Train
Hartmann Used
Henry Parker Artist
Ibiza 1989
James Baldwin