'The Archer' Art Deco Style Painting by Jean-Frédéric Canepa (circa 1930s)

'The Archer', gouache on fine art paper by Jean-Frédéric Canepa (circa 1930s). The work's Art Deco curves, lines and even the principal figure himself take inspiration from art nouveau, cubism, as well as aspects from ancient Egypt and Native American culture. Nature and classicism figure here as well. This is inspiring Art Deco as one might see in New York's Rockefeller Centre. In this case the artist, Canepa, created a splendid work whose central features are the refined sense of movement of the primary nude male figure as he's released his arrow. His posture is classic and drawn as such to emphasise his athletic frame - not to appeal to one's sense of desire, but rather to appeal to the ideal and to the mind. Not Canepa's usual painting style, however, given the era in which he lived, not surprising. Some of his oil paintings from the South of France feature traces of Art Deco without fully embracing the style. In very good vintage condition considering its age. The work has been elegantly framed and glazed and is signed at the bottom right: 'J.F. Canepa' in the artist's own hand. 

About the Artist: Jean-Frédéric Canepa (1894 - 1981),  A pupil at the Beaux Arts of Marseille, Jean-Frédéric CANEPA quickly asserted himself on the Marseille scene as a painter of modernity. At the French Colonial Exhibition of 1922 his art presented the best aspects of the contemporary Provençal school alongside compatriots Audibert, Borgomano and Verdilhan. His efforts in the decoration of the Pavillon de Provence at the Universal Exhibition of 1937 earned him wide praise and recognition. It would be subsequently followed by important commissions both public and private. Canepa's favourite art themes are of course Provençal landscapes and compositions with a pointed homage to the painted fruits of Cézanne. His works form part of the 20th Century collection at Marseille's Cantini Museum and many others as well as in private collections throughout the world. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 47.5 cm / 18.7"

W 33.5 cm / 13.2"

Dimensions without frame:

H 27 cm / 10.6"

W 13.2 cm / 5.2"