'Seated Woman' by François Diana (circa 1970s)

'Seated Woman', oil on board, by François Diana (circa 1970s). This work of sumptuous colour and sensuous subject matter elicits an immediate response. In the South of France, in Provence, this young woman poses at the edge of her bedroom chair. The colours used draw the attention of the viewers directly to the subject where she is visually projected by the artist's use of less vivid colour in the far quadrants. The various elements come together in a beautifully vivid composition. The painting has been newly framed with a French-style linen slip. Signed by the artist in the lower right hand. You may also note the artist lightly incised his signature in the paint in the lower left. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video will be provided.

About the Artist: Born in Marseille, France (1903-1993), son of a labourer with Italian roots, François Diana started at the Ecole de Beaux-Arts in his home town at the age of 15. He shared workshops with fellow artists from the area, Antoine Serra, Pierre Ambrogiani and Louis Toncini. Diana and these artists belonged to an artistic movement that celebrated industrial cities, ports and the world of labourers - they were called the 'Painters of the People'. Diana was an admirer of Chabaud and Seyssaud, two masters whom he knew personally. After the war, he painted landscapes, nudes and still life works with lively yet harmonious colours. He was a teacher of painting at the Palais des Arts in Marseille from 1946-1973. In 2014, Michel Tailland published a book of Diana's complete works. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 49.5 cm / 19.5"

W 36.5 cm / 14.4"

Dimensions without frame:

H 37.5 cm / 14.8"

W 24.5 cm / 9.6"