Raoul DUFY (1877-1953) - Lot 27

Raoul DUFY (1877-1953) The Racecourse at Ascot, circa 1935 Watercolor and gouache, signed lower left 50 x 65 cm (view) Provenance: Private collection, France. The animation produced by the movement of horses, jockeys and spectators on this English racecourse is captured in calligraphic lines. These figures are patches of color outlined in brown or black, sometimes enhanced with white gouache; some are mere sketches, others are brushed. Dufy depicts this before- or after-race as a moment of relaxation rather than expectation, an atmosphere given from the outset by the informality of the vast, vibrant expanse of green racecourse, against the backdrop of a scene bathed in blue sky. The absence of any hint of retouching or difficulty in Dufy's expressive line demonstrates his ease and vitality, and adds to the joyful mood.