Against the Wind: Oil Sketch, circa 1930

We found this little oil sketch in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antiques capital of Provence, tucked away in a small atelier. The owner told us it was painted by his grandfather (Charles Sautabel). A handwritten label on the back simply says “Esquisse, circa 1930”: a sketch, made quickly and with obvious pleasure.

It’s painted on a wooden panel with lively, thick strokes in the foam and soft blues in the sky. The edges show honest wear and there’s a small chip in the top right corner, the kind of marks that come from a life spent in a family atelier rather than a museum vault.

Hang it as is for a relaxed, collected look, or give it an old wooden frame and let it be the conversation piece of your hallway.

Details

Medium: oil on wooden panel
Period: circa 1930, France
Dimensions: approx. 38 x 20cm
Condition: good vintage condition, edge wear, small chip top right, light staining on the back
Artist: Charles Sautabel