'The Dove' (La Colombe) by Raymond Dèbieve (circa 1960s)
'The Dove' (La Colombe), gouache on fine paper (circa 1960s), by Raymond Dèbieve (1931 - 2011). The dove has been a symbol of peace for centuries. Picasso famously created a very limited edition lithograph for the World Peace Congress in 1949. However, Dèbieve's interpretation of the dove is devoid of lofty symbolism and perhaps more simply, is a beautiful bird perched on a man-made rest. It is confidently executed in his naïve style with wings spread ready for flight. The blue sky, and especially the darker-toned colours in the background of the dove, serve to contrast with the subject and propel it forward towards the viewer. In very good vintage condition. There are slight blemishes in the paper in the form of cracking in the lower left and a minor split in the bottom centre not affecting the aesthetic of the artwork. Newly framed and glazed. Signed: Raymond Dèbieve.
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 later in his career 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:
W 65 cm
H 54.5 cm
Dimensions without frame:
W 52 cm
H 41 cm