'Family Seated on a Bench at the Port' by François Diana (circa 1970s)

'Family Seated on a Bench at the Port', oil on board, by François Diana (circa 1970s). A painting with a very wholesome, homespun theme harks back to a more innocent time. A family is seated on a public bench quayside seemingly mesmerised by the rhythm of the small boats gently rocking with the ebb and flow of the currents. No one is scrolling on a phone in this depiction painted about 50 years ago. Rather, they are enjoying each other's quiet company on a warm summer day. The artwork itself is painted in a naive style with bold, vibrant colours employing the use of expansive brushstrokes. In good overall condition, the painting has been newly framed with a French-style linen slip. Signed by the artist in the lower right hand. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

About the Artist: Born in Marseille, France (1903-1993), son of a labourer with Italian roots, François Diana started at the Ecole de Beaux-Arts in his home town at the age of 15. He shared workshops with fellow artists from the area, Antoine Serra, Pierre Ambrogiani and Louis Toncini. Diana and these artists belonged to an artistic movement that celebrated industrial cities, ports and the world of labourers - they were called the 'Painters of the People'. Diana was an admirer of Chabaud and Seyssaud, two masters whom he knew personally. After the war, he painted landscapes, nudes and still life works with lively yet harmonious colours. He was a teacher of painting at the Palais des Arts in Marseille from 1946-1973. In 2014, Michel Tailland published a book of Diana's complete works. 

Dimensions with Frame:

H 37 cm / 14.6"

W 47 cm / 18.5"

Dimensions without Frame:

H 25 cm / 9.8"

W 35 cm / 13.8"