'Deauville Racecourse' by Maurice Empi (circa 1960s)

'Deauville Racecourse', oil on canvas (circa 1960s), by Maurice Empi (1933 -      ). A recurring theme in Empi's work comes from his love of the horse races - the colours, the crowds and of course the horses all figure in this vibrant work. In this piece, the thoroughbreds are in full stride mounted by their colourful jockeys. It's a blue and blustery day as the well-healed spectators watch from the fence. The famous racecourse in Deauville was constructed in 1862 by Charles Auguste Louis Joseph, duc de Morny, the half-brother of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte. In good vintage condition - newly framed with linen slip. Signed: 'Maurice Empi'. A short video of the piece is available upon request. 

About the Artist: Maurice Empi was born in Saint Etienne in the Loire Valley in France in 1933. In 1949 he enrolled in the 'Ecole Technique Supérieur de Art et Publicité' in Montparnasse, Paris. His professor and friend, Marcel Basler, also an artist, convinced him to abandon his studies in advertising and graphic design to dedicate his life to art. He's never looked back. His first private exhibition was held in Paris in 1953 and his reputation quickly propelled his work overseas to Stockholm in 1955, London in 1959 and Nagoya and Tokyo in 1971. His works are decidedly collectible and increasing in value as he approaches his mid-eighties. Empi's works have been sold at major auction houses worldwide and held in many civic and private collections. His painting themes feature views of Paris and Venice, horse racing, sailing regattas, musicians and their orchestras and French cafés. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 50 cm (19.7")

W 67 cm (26.4")

Dimensions without frame:

H 37 cm (14.6")

W 54 cm (21.3")