W. J. O'Brien
Arrábida, Portugal
Oil on board depicting the fishing village and harbour at Arrábida, Portugal. Traditional fishing boats rest in the sheltered bay beneath steep wooded hillsides, while whitewashed buildings with characteristic terracotta roofs line the waterfront. The artist captures the warm Mediterranean light and tranquil atmosphere of this celebrated stretch of the Portuguese coast.
Signed with the artist's distinctive "OB" monogram lower left. The reverse retains the original Wimbledon Art Group exhibition label, inscribed "Arrábida (Portugal)", together with the artist's name W. J. O'Brien and his Wimbledon Park address, providing strong documentary provenance.
One of two O'Brien's that are in this room. I do like the dark colours that he uses. Arribida is that wonderful spot just south of Lisbon which is a now a national park. It would be good to know exactly what spot this is.