Palais Longchamp In Marseille On Canvas

One of two paintings on canvas which though unsigned have obviously been done by the same artist. This picture is believed to depict the Palais Longchamp in Marseille, built as a grand water resevoir with surrounding Park. Both art works include fountains in them as focal points.

Painted with skill yet a feeling of naivety too, they are a beguiling depiction of important buildings. They have been attached to simple, matching painted frames with nails at the back and the stretch has become a little loose with age, but once hung, they hang well and true. The more you look, the more you find. In overall very good condition. Both extremely charming.

The other painting is also shown here and believed to depict a 19th century or earlier building in Sevilla.

Of similar size. This one is approx 105cm x 86cm, the other 102cm x 85cm.

History of Palais Longchamp:

The ‘Palais Longchamp’ is a must-see in Marseille: with a beautiful surrounding park, this historical monument was built to bring water to the city and is a true architectural achievement.

In 1835, a cholera epidemic hit the Phocaean city because of a water shortage. After this tragedy, the architect Franz Mayor de Montricher – educated at the very prestigious Ponts et Chaussées – was chosen to implement a project dating back to the 16th century: the excavation of an 85km canal to bring water from the Durance river all the way to Marseille.

After 10 years of hard work, 18 aqueduct bridges were built to bring drinkable water to Marseille. The architect Henry Espérandieu – the famous builder of the Notre-Dame Basilica – staged the arrival of water on the Longchamp plateau, a striking architectural monument from 1682 to 1869.

From each side of the water reservoir, an open colonnade leads to two museums which face a cascade on the city side, and a large garden on the park side.

Once the monument was inaugurated in 1869, several sculptors were selected to decorate the ‘Palais Longchamp’ with their artwork. Lions and tigres’ sculptures from the animal sculptor Antoine Louis Bayre adorn the entrance, while a magnificent and imposing fountain at the center created by Jules Cavelier symbolises the arrival of the Durance river’s water.

On the left-wing, the Museum of Fine Arts displays 17th and 18th century paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Founded in 1801, it is the oldest museum in Marseille.

On the right-wing, the Natural History Museum gathers several collections of curiosity displays from the 18th century given by the city and the state. It was rewarded with the title of first-class museum in 1967 together with nine other major museums, thanks to its exhibitions.