'Card Players in Marseille' by Max Papart (1951)

'Card Players in Marseille', ink, gouache and pencil on art paper, by Max Papart (1951). Unusual for this artist, this original figurative piece is a departure from his abstract work. Creating the artwork for a friend may explain that departure. A dedication is found in writing at the bottom. The piece depicts two poker-faced players keeping their cards close to their chests in a sailor bar in the port of Marseille on the Mediterranean French coast. An aproned server carries a drink to the players while they're wagering their bets. The piece evokes the authentic atmosphere of life in that port city - one can imagine the smell of bouillabaisse emanating from the quayside and the fragrant spiciness from a bottle of Pastis on the bar. The artwork is in very good vintage condition and has been newly framed and glazed. It is signed in the lower left hand corner by the artist: 'Max Papart 51'. In the lower right hand corner a dedication to the artist's friend is also written in his hand: 'A mon ami Sauvage - Marseille 51' (The name is difficult to read however it may say: 'Sauvage' which means 'wild' and can be a French surname). 

About the Artist: Max Papart (1911 - 1994), was born in Marseille, France and later moved to Paris where he learned the techniques of classic engraving. One of the most intriguing intellectual concepts which Papart achieves is a "window" through which the viewer senses the past or future, or even another time or place. It has been said that Papart does not "paint," he "composes." His compositions come together in a symphony of line, shape and colour. Papart always believed that each painting has its own meaning and needed no interpretation from him. His paintings, in his own words, 'force the viewer to think, and it is for the viewer to respond to the art based on his own personal experiences (Rogallery.com). Papart's original art pieces such as this one are auctioned at the world's most prominent houses and are eminently collectible. You will find his works often sold side-by-side with Picassos, Chagals and Braques.  

Dimensions with frame:  

H 35 cm / 13.8"

W 45 cm / 17.7"

Dimensions without frame:

H 18 cm / 7.1"

W 28 cm / 11.0"