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Lot Essay
Situated a quarter of an hour's journey from Algiers, and elevated above the city to give a view of the Mediterranean, Marquet's home and garden Djenan Sidi Saïd was a constant source of inspiration during his later years. With the acquisition of Djenan Sidi Saïd in 1941, both Marquet and his wife Marcelle, herself born in Algeria, found a tranquil retreat. However, Marquet kept in regular contact with the world beyond his campagne, with Matisse chief among his correspondents.
Marquet's love affair with Algeria had begun with his first visit there in 1920. Already an established chronicler of the va et vient of Parisian life, Marquet revelled in the public face of the city of Algiers, with its bustling port and official buildings. But the private side of life in Algeria also seduced Marquet. Works such as Le gros olivier illustrate his attraction to the artistic possibilites of brilliant, white-washed buildings set amongst the rich greens and dappled light of a shady terrace.
Marquet's love affair with Algeria had begun with his first visit there in 1920. Already an established chronicler of the va et vient of Parisian life, Marquet revelled in the public face of the city of Algiers, with its bustling port and official buildings. But the private side of life in Algeria also seduced Marquet. Works such as Le gros olivier illustrate his attraction to the artistic possibilites of brilliant, white-washed buildings set amongst the rich greens and dappled light of a shady terrace.