A refined and pensive Paris School portrait of a slightly jaundiced Pierrot by the listed French painter JULES DUFFART (1924-?) in a style reminiscent of the prolific Parisian Expressionist Bernard Buffet (1928–1999). Our hero’s elongated, angular face is rendered graphically; the somber powdered greasepaint contrasts with a sumptuous background of mottled ruby tones. A flattened perspective gives the painting something of an inconsequential feel—that paradoxically underscores an overall mood of mature melancholy. An oil on canvas presented in a rather ornately carved frame. The original liner shows its age.

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 – 1950s

Origin – FRANCE

Styles/Movements – FIGURATIVE; EXPRESSIONIST

Media – OIL

Support – CANVAS

Colors – RUBY, MAROON, WHITE, VANILLA

Condition – Very good. No defects; may show slight traces of use. Slight drying crackle.

Dimensions – 29" H × 24 ½" W × 1 ½" D