Raoul Dufy (3 June 1877 – 23 March 1953) was a French Fauvist painter. Developing a colourful, decorative style that became fashionable for designs of ceramics and textiles, Dufy’s work also became favourable for public buildings.
Raoul Dufy was born in Le Havre, Normandy. He came from a large family and left school at the age of fourteen to work in a coffee-importing company. At 18 years old in 1895 Dufy began taking classes taught by Charles Lhuillier (student of the French portrait-painter, Ingres). During this period, Dufy painted mostly Norman landscapes in watercolours. After a year of military service, in 1900 Dufy won a scholarship to the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Concentrating on improving his drawing skills Dufy took influence from Impressionist landscape painters such as Camille Pissaro and Claude Monet.
In 1901 Dufy had his first exhibition at The Exhibition of French Artists and the following year showed his work in Berthe Weill’s gallery. Exhibiting at the Salon des Indépendants in 1903, where painter Maurice Denis bought one of Dufy’s paintings led to an increase in his confidence. Two years later in 1905 Dufy saw Henri Matisse's 'Luxe, Calme et Volupte' which directed his artistic interests towards Fauvism. Les Fauves (literally translated - the wild beasts) utilised the mix of bold bright colours and contours.
Dufy's colourful oils and watercolours depict events of the Artr Deco time period, such as yachting scenes, views of the French Riviera, chic parties and musical events. Dufy continued to paint, winning awards and becoming a much celebrated artist, throughout the 1940's and his work is still much sought after now.
Here we have a vibrant watercolour of the French Riviera in the manner of Raoul Dufy (1877 - 1953) to be offered for Auction in our Antique and Interiors sale Wednesday 8th February.
Viewing is on Saturday 4th February 10am - 1pm, Tuesday 7th February 2pm-6pm and the morning of the Auction from 9am. The Auction starts at 10am.
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