'Portrait of a Boy' by Antoine Serra (1976)

'Portrait of a Boy', oil on paper and board, by Antoine Serra (1976). The sullen look on the seated boy contrasts with the vibrant hues used in this portrait. The artist subscribed to the fauvists' use of vivid colour. The paintings Serra created during his early years as an artist depict factories and portraits of workers, all of which reflect a deep sadness, a feeling of pain and depression. His latter paintings reflect scenes from everyday life, such as family scenes, interior scenes, etc. Although this boy is nameless, he most likely lived in his small Provençal village to which he moved from the city. The portrait is in fair vintage condition showing evident folds and creases in several areas and minor blemishes commensurate with age. It has been priced accordingly taking into account the artwork's size and stature of the artist. Please view the many photos accompanying the listing. Upon request a video of the work may be provided. The work is signed and dated in the lower right hand corner.

About the Artist: Antoine Serra (1908 - 1995), was a French artist of Sardinian origin. Son of impoverished parents, the family moved to Marseille when he was of a young age. Having to work as a painter of buildings while still a child, he became keenly aware of the inequalities in the social classes. On a break from his painting of walls, he was inspired by an artist painting the sailboats of Marseille's coastal waters from his easel along the quay wall. He decided at that moment what his vocation in life would be and later convinced his mother to enrol him in the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Marseille. While studying, Serra was awarded numerous first prizes for his works. In the 1920s and 30s the artist exhibited with a group called the 'Painters of the People' including Louis Toncini and Simon Auguste among others. Eventually he settled in Provence in an old farmhouse at the foot of Baux de Provence where he found his own voice. Serra's paintings have been exhibited worldwide in both museums and private collections and have been sold widely at auction. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 83.5 cm / 32.9"

W 49.5 cm / 19.5"

Dimensions without frame:

H 75.5 cm / 29.7"

W 42 cm / 16.5"