Mediterranean Rooftops

A mid-century painting that captures the sunlit charm of a coastal Mediterranean village, where whitewashed houses rise in layered planes against the calm backdrop of the sea, executed in oil onto canvas and dated 1968.

The subject matter focuses on architectural forms – flat rooftops, arched facades, and shaded recesses – simplified into interlocking blocks of light and shadow. A few dark accents of trees break the uniformity of white, grounding the composition with contrast.

Painted in a modernist style, the work emphasizes structure and atmosphere over detail, with an almost abstract quality to the geometry of the buildings. The palette is restrained, dominated by soft whites, pale greys, and cool sky blues, punctuated by deep green-blacks that suggest foliage.

The brushstrokes are broad, fluid, and confident, applied in sweeping motions that suggest light glancing across plaster walls. Layers of paint overlap loosely, creating a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, while still retaining a balance of form and rhythm. The overall effect is serene yet dynamic – an evocative study of place through shape, tone, and atmosphere.

This oil on canvas is presented in a complementary gilt frame. There is a small indentation to the canvas on the top half, otherwise the painting is in good vintage condition. The frame has some scuffs.

Size: 49 x 56 cm (including frame)