Augustus John O.M., R.A. (British, 1878-1961)
La Route de Marseilles
signed 'John' (lower right)
oil on canvas
38 x 46 cm. (15 x 18 in.)
Painted circa 1925
Footnotes:
Provenance
Private Collection, U.K.
Sale; Bonhams, London, 16 November 2011, lot 121, where acquired by the present owner
Private Collection, U.K.

Exhibited
London, Arthur Tooth & Sons, Exhibition of Recent Paintings by Augustus E. John, 24 April-17 May 1929, cat.no.17

Augustus John spent extended periods of time in the South of France with the vibrancy of his palette during these visits a reflection of the region. La Route de Marseilles shows rows of olive trees lining an arid road under a blue sky, indicative of a typically hot day in Provence. The artist spent much time on the outskirts of Martigues, along the route to Marseilles, where he often stayed at the Villa Ste-Anne with family and friends. It is likely the present work was painted nearby with John describing how 'all around were trackless stones, and rocky grey hills interfused with heather and sweet-smelling herbs. To Dorelia's delight, they had a large wild garden with olives, vines, almonds, figs and 'weeds all over the ground which is covered in pale coloured stones' (Augustus John quoted in Michael Holroyd, Augustus John, Vintage, London, 1996, p.317).
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: AR
AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.