Framed Charcoal Paper, Sails and Nets Dried, Artist Unknown, Signed

Framed Charcoal Paper, Sails and Nets Dried, Artist Unknown, Signed
 
Framed dimensions 39 x 41 cm
 
Condition - There is yellowing at the top of the picture and a slight watermark at the edge of the painting. All shown in photographs.
 
Sails and Nets Drying, Volendam

Artist: Lemue Dé (unverified)
Medium: Graphite on paper
Date: Early to mid-20th century

This detailed graphite drawing captures a quiet maritime scene in Volendam, Holland, a traditional fishing village known for its distinctive boats and seafaring culture. A row of moored fishing vessels marks the composition, their sails unfurled to dry, creating diagonal lines and contrasting textures. The careful shading and perspective work evokes a sense of depth and calm, emphasizing the daily rhythms of coastal life.

The handwritten inscription, "Segel och nät torkas, Volendam, Holland" (Swedish for "Sails and nets drying, Volendam, Holland"), suggests a Scandinavian connection, possibly indicating either the artist’s origin or a Nordic audience for the work. The signature, "Lemue Dé", remains an open question regarding attribution, but the drawing reflects a keen observational style, characteristic of 20th-century documentary realism.

This piece stands as a testament to the historic connection between art and maritime life. It illustrates the timeless beauty of coastal traditions through careful draftsmanship and an eye for atmospheric composition.