'Nude Woman After Bath' by Raymond Dèbieve (1971)

'Nude Woman After Bath', coloured crayon on paper (1971), by Raymond Dèbieve (1931 - 2011). In this drawing, the nude subject has just finished bathing in the pond. Her hair just furled into its tight coif, her body being dried by a lady-in-waiting. The sensuous scene has attracted a voyeur in the bush. Is that Peeping Tom of Lady Godiva legend? A duck close by the subject's feet also surveys the scene. In works of art, a duck has several meanings. A white duck denotes purity of the soul and a clean conscious. A brown duck that is peering at the human figure suggests the person may be possessed by an evil spirit, devil or filled with wickedness. In this case, the duck may be the only one to note the presence of the peeping Tom. In excellent vintage condition. Newly framed and glazed. Signed: I 28-9-1971 Dèbieve. A short video clip of this work can be provided upon request.

About the Artist: Raymond Dèbieve (1931 - 2011), was born, along with his twin brother, Michel, in the North of France near the border with Belgium. Their parents, of humble origins, noted a talent for drawing and art in both of the boys and encouraged them in that direction. Unfortunately the boys were separated during the war years but reunited afterwards. They attended the School of Fine Arts in Valenciennes after WWII where they were awarded successive 1st prizes in the Concours de Encouragement à l'Art. Raymond not only painted but was a gifted sculptor of metal works as well. In 1960 he exhibited, with great success, a series of very colourful paintings at the Galerie des Flandres in Lille, France and subsequently in Paris and Switzerland. Primarily with respect to his portraits of women, Raymond was undeniably influenced by Picasso. At the same time, he has managed to forge a distinct style which is much admired and now collected. In 1962, Dèbieve relocated to Provence with his family where he continued to create and exhibit art until his death in the town of Orange in 2011. Since then, Dèbieve's star has been on the rise and his works more and more in demand internationally. 

Dimensions with frame:

H  59 cm

W  50 cm

Dimensions without frame:

H  47.5 cm

W  36 cm