Raoul Dufy

Pesage - weighing in at the Deauville trial

Aux Courses - a scene at Auteuil

Le Depart - the Grand Prix, Longchamps

Raoul Dufy (1877-1953). French painter, graphic artist, and designer. His early work was Impressionist in style but he became a convert to Fauvism in 1905 after seeing a Matisse show. He exhibited with the Fauves in 1906 and 1907, but in 1908 he worked with Braque at L'Estaque and abandoned Fauvism for a more sober style influenced by Cezanne. He soon returned to a lighter style and in the next few years developed his most known style. It is characterized, in oils and watercolors, by rapid calligraphic drawing on backgrounds of bright, thinly washed color and was well suited to the scenes of luxury and pleasure Dufy favored. He worked with fashion designer Paul Poiret and did some textile design for a silk factory in Lyon as well. In 1952 he was awarded the main painting prize at the Venice Biennale. His popularity has continued undiminished since his death. (Ian Chilvers)