Large Painting By Louis Toffoli 1907-1999

Spectacular large painting by the great master Louis TOFFOLI with international notoriety Oil on canvas measuring 100cmx 73cm plus frame 124cm x 98cm This painting is listed and photographed in the catalog raisonné Tome 1 Number 416 (catalog will be given to the future owner) It is noted that this painting was painted around 1955, full period in the master receives his consecration Shipping will be free worldwide Louis Toffoli is a French painter and lithographer born in Trieste (Austrian coast), October 16, 1907, of an Italian father and of a Slovenian mother, and died on February 18, 1999 in Paris. In 1924, Luigi Toffoli entered the Naval School of Trieste but difficulties forced him to give up studies. He worked as a blacksmith then a tailor and took evening classes at the Académie des Beaux-Arts triestine. At the Trieste Biennale in 1928, among Chirico and other well-known artists, Luigi Toffoli presents two constructivist style canvases. Those responsible for fascist propaganda are closely interested in the singular vision of the young artist. The Black Shirts urge him to get involved with them. He must organize his escape (at the time of the fascist, totalitarian regime, Italian nationals were forbidden to leave the national territory) Settling in France In 1930, Luigi Toffoli took the opportunity of an organized trip to emigrate to Paris. Without proper paper or money, he lives in the Goutte d'Or district, rue Myrha, where his future wife Sylvia, who died in 1973, joined him. They will have two sons Patrick and Claude. They live on expedients until Denis Kalman, a renowned couturier from the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, hires him in his workshop. His situation is regularized, his talents as a model maker are recognized. He obtained a tradesman's card and taught the art of cutting at the Chambre Syndicale du Garment. His reputation grew in 1934; numerous orders allowed him to settle in Alfortville then in Charenton-le-Pont. He became an independent craftsman for Parisian fashion houses. He took drawing lessons again, patiently experimented with his style and tried his hand at poster technique. Prizes and first painting exhibitions In 1935, a competition was opened by the Ministry of the Colonies on the occasion of the tercentenary of the attachment of the Antilles to France. Its composition obtains the first prize. Shortly after, Luigi Toffoli received the second prize in an international competition organized by the League of Nations. It was also the time of the first exhibitions in the main salons: Salon d'Automne, Salon des Indépendants, Salon des Peintres Témoins de leur Temps, Musée de la Marine… The economic crisis of 1936, public scandals and strikes led the Popular Front in government. He sometimes attends political meetings where he portrays Blum, Taittinger, Auriol and other figures of the time. During the occupation, in order to escape the compulsory labor service, Luigi Toffoli took refuge in Touraine, in Jaulnay, where he participated as a liaison officer for the Resistance. He now presents himself as a painter. He exhibited at the Salon des Indépendants paintings inspired by the world of work, one of the strong themes of his work. In 1947, Luigi Toffoli obtained French naturalization and became Louis Toffoli. Exhibitions in the galleries The RG gallery in Paris organized in 1952 for Louis Toffoli his first personal exhibition. From now on, exhibitions and trips abroad will multiply. In 1954, Louis Toffoli learned the technique of lithography in the workshops of Fernand Mourlot, then from 1968, he continued to publish lithographs in those of Jean-Claude Perrin. Lithography will popularize his painting. In 1956, he explored Spain then Yugoslavia by train and bicycle, off the tourist trail, and sketched the locals in search of humanity. Back in Charenton-le-Pont, he exhibited once again at the Salon des Peintres Témoins de leur Temps. His talent was noticed by a Brazilian patron in 1960 who invited him to exhibit at the Copacabana Palace, in Brazil. Travel and fame Louis Toffoli then devoted himself entirely to painting and travel. Israel, the United States, Mexico, China ... and many other countries whose work he will paint always revitalized at the heart of everyday life. Aubusson weaves in 1976 the first tapestries of the painter. From this date Louis Toffoli devoted himself exclusively to painting. 2 stamps are published by La Poste in 1980 Embroidery and 1982 La ferronnerie. Numerous special exhibitions are organized all over the world. Several films and television shows are produced around his work. The Toffoli museum was inaugurated in 1995 in Charenton-le-Pont. Louis Toffoli donates a hundred works to the city. The museum is now closed, replaced by the municipal Art et Liberté gallery. A number of museums, particularly in Germany, Brazil, Spain, Holland, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Sweden, United States… have works by the painter. Many works are devoted to him.