Before the storm at Cannes

Description of the article « Before the storm at Cannes »

This painting captures a moment suspended on the terrace of Fort Royal, on Sainte-Marguerite island in the Lérins archipelago, opposite to Cannes. Three long tables, elegantly set for a dinner of 50 guests, await the guests under an increasingly threatening sky. The white tablecloths, the carefully arranged glasses and plates contrast with the heavy atmosphere and the storm clouds gathering on the horizon. To the left, the fort's typical watchtower, built by the Spanish in the 16th century and improved by Vauban in the 17th, stands proudly. It recalls the rich and eventful history of this place steeped in memories. In the background, the view of the sea and the hills of Cannes adds a majestic dimension to the scene. Yet, despite the beauty of the setting, the dark, heavy clouds herald an imminent storm. Ultimately, the dinner had to be moved indoors to the fort's former powder magazine, leaving the evening a truly memorable experience. This painting is an invitation to relive that moment when nature reasserted its power in the face of human preparations.