Raoul Dufy French, 1877-1953

Raoul Dufy was a French painter, printmaker and designer whose work is celebrated for its colour, lightness and distinctive sense of movement. Born in Le Havre, he initially encountered Impressionism before becoming strongly influenced by Fauvism in the early twentieth century. His friendship with Georges Braque and his interest in Cézanne contributed to a gradual transformation of his artistic language. Dufy eventually developed a highly personal style based on fluid lines, simplified forms and luminous areas of colour. His paintings frequently depict seaside scenes, horse races, concerts, elegant gatherings and landscapes filled with a sense of modern life. He also made an important contribution to textile design, creating patterns that brought his artistic ideas into the world of fashion and decoration. His ability to combine drawing and colour became one of the defining characteristics of his mature work. Dufy participated in major international exhibitions and received important commissions, including the monumental La Fée Électricité. His optimistic vision and instantly recognisable style have secured his place among the major figures of twentieth-century French art.