Sailing yacht (c. 1900) – Georges Fouillé, ca. 1950

YACHT FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF SAILING RACES

Gaff-rigged racing yacht, ca. 1900. Color lithograph with pochoir, created around 1950 by Georges Fouillé. Size: 39 × 23.8 cm.

This print depicts a large, classic sailing yacht with gaff rigging, of the kind used in international regattas at the end of the 19th century. The vessel features a gaff on the mainsail and a topsail above it — a configuration typical of the period 1885–1910. The elegant silhouette and streamlined hull reflect the technical sophistication of this yacht type. Fouillé combines historical precision with graphic clarity; the scene is likely inspired by early 20th-century sailing competitions between Europe and the United States, such as the America’s Cup.

Georges Jean Clément Fouillé (1909–1994) was a French painter and printmaker specializing in maritime subjects. He is best known as a Peintre Officiel de la Marine, a prestigious title conferred by the French Navy in 1947. Interestingly, Fouillé had originally intended to pursue a naval career, but had to abandon this path due to health reasons. Instead, he turned to art, dedicating himself to ship portraits, seascapes, and historical sailing scenes. His depictions — whether of 18th-century frigates, 19th-century clippers, or 20th-century racing yachts — were widely praised for their accuracy and detail.

Price: Euro 225,-