Jean Dulac (French, 1902-1968)

Bouquet sur rose, 1966

Oil on canvas

Signed ‘Jean Dulac’ (upper right)

18.1/4 x 13 in. (46.3 x 33.2 cm.)

Jean Dulac was born on Bourgoin but from the age of 5 became a lifelong resident of Lyon. His father was a photographer and his influence may have prompted Jean to study at The Fine Arts School of Lyon (1915-1924).

He studied sculpture in Paris with the great Paul Lewandowski until he returned to Lyon permanently in 1931. On his return and till his death he was commissioned to create many public statues and frescos in the medium of sculpture. It is not until 1938 that we start to see his love of painting truly emerge. Being a sculptor, his figure studies were of a very high standard, but it is the joy that is evident in his landscapes and still lives that stands out. Often using bold palettes he finds a confident ease creating complex compositions which manage to avoid the fussyness that so many in this genre regrettably achieve. Many of his works show influences from the best Post Impressionists, displaying beautiful contrasts, without overdoing detail, and avoiding muddy hues. All are bright and bold without feeling garish. One can only wonder what he could have achieved if painting had been his first love.

Dulac was the founder of the Salon de la Société Lyonnaise des Beaux-Arts in 1946 (Salon of Lyon Fine Arts Society) and was the president until his death in March 1968.