LA BELLE FRANCE
Welcome to our captivating new exhibition "La Belle France".
As you step into the gallery, you will find yourself transported to the 19th and 20th centuries, times when revolutionary artists were redefining the very essence of art. Witness the evolution of artistic techniques and styles as the exhibition takes you on a journey from the shimmering landscapes of the 19th Century to the bold experimentation of the Post-Impressionists, Art Deco masters and geometric abstractionists.
Our gallery invites you to explore the nuances of each masterpiece, allowing the viewer to traverse the cobblestone streets of the French interior, feel the gentle breeze of the Seine, and bask in the glow of the Provencal sunlight. This collection encapsulates the essence of "La Belle France," a time when artists dared to break free from convention, forging a path that would forever redefine the boundaries of art.
JEAN DULAC
(FRENCH, 1902 - 1962)
Explore our rich collection of works by Jean Dulac, a distinguished Lyonnais artist whose creative legacy spans the first half of the 20th century. Drawing inspiration from the finest Post-Impressionists, Dulac's artistry reflects a bold palette and a confident ease in crafting complex compositions. Notably, he skillfully navigates the delicate balance between vibrancy and subtlety, steering clear of the fussiness that often plagues this genre.
Jean Dulac founded the Salon de la Société Lyonnaise des Beaux-Arts in 1946, leading as its president until his passing in March 1968. This collection not only presents a visual feast of artistic brilliance but also serves as a testament to Dulac's enduring impact on the cultural landscape
Andre Lagrange (French, 1889 – 1958)
A Bacchanalian pipe player
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated ‘Andre Lagrange / 1929’ (lower right)
66.1/4 x 42.1/4 in. (168.3 x 107.3cm.)
£8,200
Pictures of the period are uncommon to find but a picture with these proportions is very rare. This sizable oil painting, featuring a Bacchanalian pipe player, is a unique find from the distinguished Art Deco period. Dating back to 1929, it hints at the possibility of being commissioned for a prestigious interior, perhaps adorning the walls of a luxurious hotel. The dramatic subject matter takes centre stage, and the piece has been meticulously reframed in a striking silvered Art Deco moulding, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. This is a captivating and historically significant artwork that seamlessly blends the elegance of the Art Deco era with timeless artistic expression.
Raoul Dufy (French, 1877-1953)
Portrait of Madame Raoul Dufy, 1915
Uncover the allure of this rare portrait by the esteemed Post-Impressionist artist Raoul Dufy, capturing the essence of his wife in a uniquely personal manner. Executed with a delicate touch, the artwork emanates a sense of intimacy and charm. The captivating gaze of the subject demands attention against the striking blue background, creating a compelling presence that almost transports her into the room with you. The vivacity of the piece is palpable through the carefree brushstrokes and the sitter's half-smiling face, imbuing the work with a vibrant and animated quality. This masterpiece not only stands as a testament to Dufy's artistic brilliance but also offers a rare glimpse into the artist's personal world.
“Great art picks up where nature ends.”
Marc Chagall
Jean Dulac, 'Paysage a la riviere'
Charles Wittman, 'La Pont d'Albi'
Paul Altman 'Maisons dans la campagne'
Jean Dulac, 'Paysage en Seine-et-Oise'
Jean-Baptiste Olive, 'A figure on the beach'
Jean Dulac, 'Paysage au grande ciel'
Eugene Habert, 'A girl and her turkey’s above the bay'
Jean Dulac, 'Seaside in the Mediterranean'
Paul Altman, 'Petit Port an mediterranee'
Jean Dulac, 'Paysage' 1962
Jean Dulac, 'Village près d'une riviere'
Charles Wittmann, 'Venetian Backwater'
Jean Dulac 'Paysage sous l'orage'
Paul Altman 'Le parc du chateau'
Charles Wittmann, 'Cows grazing in Franche Comte'
Louis Marchand des Raux
(French, 1902 – 2000)
Born in 1902, Louis Marchand adopted the name of his hometown 'Raux' to complete his nom de brosse. For many years, he practiced the dual professions of artist and gardener. As a landscape designer, he was given the responsibility of overseeing many significant estates in the South of France, including the Château de Beaujardin and the Château de Pray. When Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild donated her Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the Institut de France, the members of the Académie des Beaux-Arts appealed to Louis Marchand des Raux to develop and maintain its magnificent gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.
As a fine artist, Marchand des Raux painted for the galleries of the Côte d'Azur and in Paris, at the Galerie Marcel Bernheim, where he rubbed shoulders with contemporary art world luminaries including Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. His own particular technique was allied with that of Chaim Soutine's and his preferred subjects were allegorical scenes of everyday life which he invested with grace and humor. Marchand des Raux exhibited internationally with success, including in France and the United States. The artist is well-listed in all relevant art reference works, including Benezit, and his paintings are held in the permanent collections of museums worldwide, including those of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nice, the Phillips Museum of Art in Washington DC and the Haifa Museum of Art, among others.
