Max Michel Agostini Paintings

Title: Sitges Artist: Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (1891–1979) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 38 x 61 cm (14.96 x 24.01 in) Support: Canvas stretched over wooden stretcher Framing: Unframed Signature: Signed lower left: Durancamps Period: 1960s (estimated based on style, technique, and materials) Work Description The painting Sitges depicts an evocative scene of the iconic Catalan coastal town. At the center stands the unmistakable silhouette of the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, surrounded by cascading white houses that descend toward the shore. A solitary fisherman in the foreground casts his rod from the sand, adding a human and melancholic dimension to the landscape. The composition reflects Rafael Durancamps’s mastery in atmospheric construction: the balance between sky, architecture, and figure is achieved through loose yet controlled brushstrokes, and a sober palette dominated by earthy tones, ochres, blues, and greys. The scene conveys stillness, everyday life, and a sense of belonging to the landscape—recurring qualities in the artist’s work. Artist Biography: Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (1891–1979) Born in Sabadell, Rafael Durancamps was one of the leading Catalan figurative painters of the 20th century. Initially trained under Joan Vila Cinca and a friend of Joaquim Mir, he chose a personal path that distanced him from avant-garde movements. In 1926, he moved to Paris, where he founded La Fenêtre Ouverte gallery, bringing together artists such as Salvador Dalí, André Derain, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. After permanently returning to Barcelona in 1939, he exhibited regularly at Sala Parés and established a distinctive style rooted in lyrical light, intimate observation of everyday life, and a refined technique—particularly in still lifes, landscapes, and solitary figures. His work is held in major collections, including the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Montserrat Museum, the Sabadell Art Museum, and the BBVA Collection. Comparable Artists Rafael Durancamps can be linked stylistically or spiritually to several major names in modern figurative art: Joaquim Mir – for his lyrical treatment of the Catalan landscape and vibrant light Santiago Rusiñol – for his poetic approach to architecture and the Mediterranean environment Maurice Utrillo – in his sober and nostalgic depictions of towns and vernacular architecture Edward Hopper – for the silent presence of solitary figures in open spaces Darío de Regoyos...

This painting was owned by Comte Robert de Montesquiou (1855–1921), Paris Literature: Jane Roberts, Jacques-Émile Blanche (2012), pg. 47 (color illus.), p. 191. Included as no. R...

An exceptional post-impressionist view of Florence, Italy by Carl Schmitz-Pleis (1877-1943). In the spring of 1910 Schmitz-Pleis and fellow friend/artist Walter Hugo Ophey travelled...

Rafael Duran Benet (1931-2015) - Park with lake - Oil on cardboard paid to canvas Oil measurements 50x65 cm. Frame measurements 66x81 cm. Rafael Duran Benet (Terrassa, 1931 - Barc...

Marie-Lucie Nessi Valtat Horseman in Summer, ca. 1950 Oil on canvas mounted on board 10 2/3 x 13 3/4 in l 27 x 35 cm Frame size: 12 2/3 x 15 3/4 in. l 32 x 40 cm Marie-Lucie Nessi V...

Title: Market of Olot, Spain Artist: Manuel Zamora Muñoz (1928–2006) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 x 81 cm (25.6 x 31.9 in) Framed dimensions: 90 x 106 cm (35.4 x 41.7 ...

Title: Promenade in Sant Feliu de Guíxols Artist: Josep Amat Pagès (Barcelona, 1901 – 1991) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 50 x 65 cm (approximately 19.7 x 25.6 in) Support...

Large and historically significant post-impressionist painting by Albert André. Exhibition: Exposition Post et Néo-Impressionniste, Durand-Ruel Gallery, Paris, 10–31 March 1899, n...

Marie-Lucie Nessi Valtat South of France, ca. 1950 Oil on canvas mounted on board 13 3/4 x 10 2/3 in l 35 x 27 cm Frame size: 15 3/4 x 12 2/3 in l 40 x 32 cm Marie-Lucie Nessi Valta...

Gaston Sebire (1920-2001) Vue de Rouen Oil on canvas Size : 65 x 81 cm Signed lower right Provenance : Private Collection, France Very good condition. Original canvas. Frame included...

Marcel COSSON (1878-1956) Madame Cosson dans son Jardin Oil on canvas Size : 60,4 x 73,4 cm Signed lower left Painting in perfect condition Without frame Sold with invoice and certif...

Pluie a Venice is painted in Hambourg's preferred palette of muted blue-green, grey, and gold with splashes of ruby red, deep blue, and emerald green. The soft colors work well for beach scenes and rainy days such as the ones portrayed in this painting. The impressionistic scene shows multiple pedestrians strolling down the boardwalk, shielding themselves from the rain with colorful umbrellas that provide pops of color and balance the overcast sky. The background contains a three-masted ship and Piazza San Marco's famous bell tower and Basilica. Hambourg uses the minimum number of brushstrokes necessary to portray ships, seagulls, buildings and people as well as reflections on the glistening sidewalk. The brushstrokes in the sky have an interesting texture that is controlled yet carefree and there is heavy impasto throughout. His portrayal is both realistic and romanticized. Hambourg was clearly influenced by the great Impressionist artists of earlier generations, perhaps none more than the one with a direct connection to his family. Hambourg's wife, Nicole Rachet, was born into a family with a large collection of works by Impressionist master Eugene Boudin. Rachet's grandfather was a contemporary and friend of Boudin's, and a collector of his work. In their later years, Hambourg and Rachet donated over 300 canvases by Boudin and other artists to the Eugene Boudin Museum in Honfleur, France. It was such a large and important gift that the collection bears...