Raoul Dufy - A L'Ecu de France - Original Etching 1940

Raoul Dufy - A L'Ecu de France - Original Etching From the limited edition book ''Aphorismes et Varietes'' by Brillat Savarin with 20 illustrations by Dufy Dimensions: 13 x 10''. Edition of 200 1940 Edition Les Bibliophiles du Palais, Paris Raoul Dufy Born in 1877, the French painter Raoul Dufy was one of the more controversial contributors to the Fauvism movement. Dufy’s paintings are a celebration of luxury and color, a style that helped Dufy carve his niche in the artistic landscape. PERSONAL LIFE Raoul Dufy was born in Le Havre in 1877. He was part of a very large family, and finances were somewhat difficult in the family. Dufy was lucky to be born during a vibrant time in the French art community. As a young man, he studied at the Ecole Municipale des Beaux-Arts du Havre. During his studies, Dufy became friends with fellow artist Othon Friesz. He rented a studio with Friesz at one point. In 1911, Dufy married Eugenie Brisson. He struggled with arthritis for much of his life, relying on cortisone treatments to allow him to continue painting. CAREER In 1900, Dufy received a scholarship that allowed him to go to Paris. While attending the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Dufy was inspired by the many different art movements that were coalescing in France at the time. He experimented with many different styles during his artistic career. In 1903, Dufy first exhibited his work at the prestigious Salon des Independents. During this time, his art showed the influence of the Impressionists. His oil painting, Carnival on the Grands Boulevards, is one example of this early Impressionist work. By 1905, however, Dufy was drawing most of his inspiration from the creative, daring Fauvists. He also experimented with Cubism, working with Georges Braque. The variety of styles began to merge into Dufy’s unique vision as an artist. Completed in 1910, Mer et Nuages shows Dufy’s bold, playful use of bright colors. It also illustrates Dufy’s fondness for portraying beautiful and luxurious scenes, particularly French seaside tableaus. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Dufy developed a style that blended crisp, calligraphic lines with generous splashes of color. Le Chateau et la Grille and Le Retour des Ragates illustrate elements of this style. Painting was not Dufy’s sole interest. He was extremely far-ranging in his talents. Dufy created woodcut engravings to illustrate books. Later, he worked with the renowned designer Paul Poiret to create patterned fabrics. Dufy even designed theater sets and scenery. Although some critics found Dufy’s work too effervescent and not serious enough, the painter gained a reputation for his bright, versatile body of work.