Marcel Mouly (1918-2008) "la Medina" Large Oil On Canvas Dated 1953

Marcel Mouly (1918-2008) important oil painting on canvas (dimensions 120 cm x 93 cm) signed lower right M. MOULY 53 and countersigned on the back by the artist, titled "The Medina in Fez," dated 1953, and located at the artist's studio address, 2 Passage Dantzig, Paris. A beautiful Cubist composition with solidly structured volumes, it possesses a soft and warm atmosphere. This is achieved through a vibrant chromatic range that creates a pleasing interplay of light, perfectly harmonizing with the contrasting tones. This Orientalist scene adopts a slightly elevated viewpoint, drawing the eye into the depths of the delicate, successive layers depicting women and seated merchants carrying baskets, occupying the space in overlapping planes. Light volumes dominate the foreground of geometric masses, while darker silhouettes, seated or crouching, structure the composition. The ramparts in the background establish depth without distracting the overall attention. In good condition, the work is presented in an elegant giltwood frame. Marcel Mouly (1918–2008) was a French painter recognized as one of the great colorists of the 20th century. His style, marked by a vibrant palette and geometric abstraction, is rooted in tradition while incorporating influences from Fauvism and Cubism.

Born on February 6, 1918, in Paris, Marcel Mouly developed a passion for drawing from a very young age. In 1935, he enrolled in evening classes in Montparnasse, where he became friends with Édouard Pignon. During the Occupation, he stayed in the studio of sculptor Jacques Lipchitz, designed by Le Corbusier. After the war, he exhibited at the Salon d'Automne alongside Picasso and Matisse. Works and style: Mouly is best known for his still lifes, interior scenes, landscapes, and seascapes, executed with a very vivid color palette. His work Influenced by Cézanne, Picasso, and Braque, he quickly developed a personal style characterized by extreme delicacy, in which light plays a crucial role. Marcel Mouly was named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in 1957. He exhibits regularly in prestigious galleries, and his works are included in the permanent collections of numerous museums worldwide.