Raoul Dufy

Executed in 1952. 

Galerie Jacques Dubourg, Paris 
Private Collection
Acquired from the above by the present owner 

Fanny Guillon-Laffaille, Raoul Dufy, catalogue raisonné des aquarelles, gouaches et pastels, Vol. I, Paris, 1981, p. 115, cat. no. 321, illustrated 

This work is in good condition overall. The sheet is taped to the mat at 3 points along the top edge of the verso. There is evidence of minor scattered foxing throughout the recto and verso, consistent with the age of the work. The sheet is deckled along the left and right edges. There is a water stain at the lower left corner only visible when inspected outside of the frame. Framed under glass.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Since the beginning of the 1950s, Dufy's colourful, decorative creations have delighted both their European and American audiences. Relying on a style characterized by fluid lines and compositions dominated by hues of blue, green, red or yellow, the artist's most celebrated works depict festive events of his time period, including yachting, musical events, chic parties, sparking seaside views and horse races. Venice, as pictured in Gondoles sur le Grand Canal, is one of Dufy's favorite subjects. In 1952, the Geneva Museum of Art and History put on a large exhibition presenting over 260 works by Raoul Dufy. That same year, he won the first prize for painting at the Venice Biennale where 45 of his works were sent to represent France.