Amédée Julien Marcel Clément (1873-1937)

A Summer Night at the Promenade Anglais, Nice

Signed lower right | Oil op panel | 33 x 40,5 cm

“A Summer Night at the Promenade Anglais” by Amédée Julien Marcel Clément captures the vibrant atmosphere of Nice’s famous seaside promenade on a bustling summer evening.

The painting depicts elegantly dressed figures strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, with the iconic domed structure of the Hotel Negresco visible in the background. Clément’s impressionistic style is evident in the loose brushstrokes and muted color palette, dominated by soft grays and touches of white, pink, and orange.

The artist masterfully conveys the lively social scene of the French Riviera in the early 20th century. Fashionable men and women in summer attire, including wide-brimmed hats and light-colored dresses, populate the foreground. A dog accompanies some of the figures, adding a touch of everyday life to the glamorous setting.

The sky is rendered in dramatic gray tones, suggesting an impending storm or the fading light of dusk. This moody backdrop contrasts with the cheerful activity below, creating a sense of atmospheric tension.
Clement’s work beautifully captures a moment in time, preserving the elegance and charm of the Belle Époque era on the French Côte d’Azur. The painting offers viewers a glimpse into the leisurely pursuits and social interactions of the period, set against the backdrop of one of the most famous promenades in the world.

Amédée Julien Marcel-Clément (1873–1937) was a French painter renowned for his evocative depictions of landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, and Parisian scenes. Born on September 15, 1873, in Paris, he studied at the School of Fine Art and made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1903. Throughout his career, he exhibited regularly at the Salon des Beaux-Arts and the Salon des Indépendants, gaining recognition for his ability to capture the essence of the Belle Époque era.

Although Marcel-Clément spent most of his life in Paris, he painted relatively few views of his hometown. Instead, he focused on coastal scenes and seascapes, particularly those of Dinard, where he maintained a second home. His maritime works are celebrated for their dramatic interplay of light and reflections between the sky and sea. Using a palette dominated by greys, blues, whites, and creams, Marcel-Clément created mirror-like effects that imbued his paintings with realism and emotional depth.

Between 1913 and 1914, Marcel-Clément exhibited internationally at venues such as the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh

Marcel-Clément's legacy lies in his ability to blend realism with impressionistic techniques to convey both the beauty of nature and the vibrancy of urban life during his era.