Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida's "Viejo pescador en una barca" (Old fisherman in a boat) has sold for £173,000 ($231,000).
It was the top performer at Bonhams' 19th Century European, Victorian and British Impressionist Art sale in London on September 27.
Sorolla is one of Spain's best-loved artists
The Spanish artist painted the piece in La Albufera, Valencia, where he worked during the summer of 1895.
It's a typically watery scene from the coast-loving artist – renowned for his ability to capture light.
Bonhams’ director of 19th century paintings, Charles O’Brien, explained: “In the mid-1890s, Sorolla experimented with the contrast between light and shadow.
“He was also particularly interested in conveying the lives of ordinary working people, principally workers at sea.
“These two preoccupations come together perfectly in Viejo pescador en una barca.
“The immediacy with which the old fisherman is portrayed allows the viewer to engage directly with him, while also appreciating the striking Valencian sun.”
The sale also saw John Atkinson Grimshaw's Old Scarborough sell for £161,000 ($215,000)
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