The Impressionists and Yachting on the Seine – Paris to Deauville – Origins to 1894
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| ©François Chevalier - Lézard, Caillebotte design, 1891 |
Contrary to public thought, French yachting was
born on the inland waterways before establishing on the coasts. In this regard,
Paris was one of the most important cradles of yachting - Boating appeared
there circa 1800-1830, progressing downstream slowly over time.
Without delving into too much detail, the
Impressionist movement took off in Normandy, in the area around Le Havre. Soon
enough seascapes, riverscapes and boats became important subjects for the
Impressionist painters. And they did not leave it at painting! In the latter
part of the 19th century, they often engaged in sailing themselves along with
other artists and writers. From Sunday boating to cruises, races, naval
architecture and even shipbuilding, to some extent almost all of them were
involved in yachting.
As key witnesses to the beginnings of yachting in
France, the Impressionists have become an important point of interest to us in
the last fifteen years. Carrying out our research as faithfully as for our
previous works, especially America's Cup Yacht Designs, 1851-1986, we
have decided to publish our findings in two to three years' time. Apart from
the history, this work will feature the plans of the boats that the
Impressionists sailed or imagined as well as their own masterpieces – some
famous paintings and others less well known – in a substantial 800-page
production of the same quality and format as our earliest works!
We shall return here regularly to inform you of our
findings.
Yours faithfully,
François
Chevalier & Jacques Taglang.
