A portrait of a white-faced clown from listed French School artist JULES DUFFART (1924-?), likely painted as a salute to his highly acclaimed contemporary, Bernard Buffet (1928–1999)—the so-called “Miserabilist.” Despite the subject’s glassy, “pity-kitty” eyes and his orange mop wig, his twee expression and (disturbingly) serpentine neck, the work somehow avoids excessive kitsch. Through refined, painterly effects—e.g., the mottling of the background and the clown’s suit; and the nebulous, pineapple-yellow cloud hovering over the collar—a balance of seriousness is achieved. Traditionally framed oil on canvas.

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 his careful choice of color palettes, matching their chromatic range beautifully. Duffart was also a master of line work, especially in his landscapes. He creates distinct, dark outlines of hard, angular shapes with a confident, draftsmanly touch and fills these shapes with the dynamic and shining colors for which Duffart is beloved. He often uses color in a delicate chromatic range in a similar style to that of Bernard Buffet, but his palette can range from subdued and subtle to dark and gritty or full of color, always presented in an impasto style. Buffet’s exemplary modernist French School oil on canvas paintings are perfect for any classic modern 50s or 60s interior.  While Duffart was a prolific artist, there is surprisingly little biographical information to be found about him, although one chronicler of the Paris art world of the 1950s wrote glowingly about the young artist at that time:

“Jules Duffart Born in 1924, studied at the Academy of Fine Arts, Paris. 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 – FIGURATUVE; EXPRESSIONIST

Media – OIL

Support – BOARD

Colors – GOLDENROD, TANGERINE, WHITE, MAUVE

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

Dimensions – 27" H × 23" W × 1" D