An unapologetically traditional oil-on-canvas harbor scene by the listed French School artist JULES DUFFART (1924-?): this artwork features a painterly representation of three small boats at a serene anchorage. The bold, graphic outlines of the buildings and rigging are characteristic of Duffart’s style and provide a striking contrast to the predominantly pastel color scheme. The same brushwork technique captures by turns the interplay of the dappled clouds, the shimmering ripples of the water, and the efflorescent walls. The piece is signed in the lower right corner and elegantly framed in bleached oak with hand-carved detailing.

JULES DULES DUFFART studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris and painted various subjects from landscapes and still lives to portraits and genre scenes. He is known for carefully choosing color palettes and expertly balancing chromatic equilibrium. Duffart is also a master of line work, especially in his landscapes. He creates distinct, dark outlines of hard, angular shapes with a confident, draftsmanly touch, in a style similar to Bernard Buffet’s. And, like Buffet’s modernist French School oils, Duffart’s work is perfect for any classic modern ’50s or ’60s interior. Despite a prodigious output, there is surprisingly little biographical information to be found about Duffart, although one chronicler of the Paris art world of the 1950s wrote glowingly about him at that time:

“His recent exhibitions demonstrate a dynamic talent with an unusual style that surprised audiences and critics alike. His formulations are dramatic and authoritative. His colors, developing in a delicate chromatic range, show a profound harmony, an infinite gradation of shades with serene transparency. A turbulent spirit inspired by a creative force of glowing enthusiasm. Experts recognize him as one of the rarest talents of today’s young artists.”

DETAILS

Artist – JULES DUFFART (1924-?)

Period/Year – 1960s

Origin – FRANCE

Styles/Movements – EXPRESSIONISM; MID-CENTURY MODERN

Media – OIL

Support – CANVAS

Colors – GREIGE, OYSTER, CANARY, RUBY

Condition – Excellent vintage condition. May show minor signs of previous ownership and use.

Dimensions – 26" H × 30 ½" W × 2" D