Raoul Dufy (1877-1953) — Bathers At Le Canet — Original Indian Ink Drawing, July 30, 1942

Raoul DUFY (1877-1953)

Original drawing by Raoul Dufy depicting bathers and skiffs on the beach of Le Canet, study from life showing two bathers seen from behind, a parasol, and watercraft.

Indian ink on perforated sketchbook sheet, dated 30 VII 42 (July 30, 1942).

Bearing the rectangular estate inventory stamp from the Raoul Dufy succession, applied in black ink on the lower right, with the block letters "ATELIER RAOUL DUFY".

Condition: Fine condition. Fresh ink lines and paper retaining its original perforated sketchbook edge, with light natural handling wear along the margins. (See photos)

Dimensions: Width: 31 cm (12.2 in) — Height: 24 cm (9.4 in)

Notice: Executed in the summer of 1942, this study from life captures the seaside atmosphere of Canet-Plage on the Roussillon coast. Having retired to the South of France to seek a milder climate for his severe arthritis, Dufy was hosted by the Sauvy family at the Domaine de l'Esparrou, a coastal estate near Canet.
With limited mobility, the artist had himself set up directly on the sand to sketch bathing scenes on the spot. In sharp, economical Indian ink strokes, Dufy reimagines the seaside nude: in the foreground, two figures seen from behind stand out beneath the shade of a fringed parasol, while kayaks and skiffs animate the horizon.
This sheet, dated July 30, 1942, belongs to the series of field studies executed at Canet that served as the primary working studies for his watercolors and major oil paintings on the theme of Bathers between 1942 and 1945.

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