Henri duvoisin 1877-1959 oil on canvas still life empire frame, bacchus

Henri DUVOISIN (1877-1959) Oil on canvas, Still life with dancing faun and bowl of grapes, Empire frame, Bacchus, Dionysus. Oil on canvas signed "H. Duvoisin" and dated "1928" in the lower right corner. A work from the Art Deco period revisited through the lens of classical antiquity, designed as a theatrical and allegorical still life around the theme of wine. Composition featuring a statuette placed on a flat base, likely a representation in bronze or spelter heavily inspired by the famous Dancing Faun of Pompeii. Beside it, a bowl in silver or silver-plated metal, topped with overflowing clusters of red and purple grapes. An iconographic subject of the bacchanal type, particularly suited for the decoration of a dining room or a collector's cabinet. Remarkable painting technique characterised by a vigorous use of material. Strong impasto on the grape clusters, giving the work an evident sculptural and tactile dimension, ideally highlighted by raking light. Masterful chromatic contrast: treatment of the background in grisaille and the cold aspect of the metallic elements (statuette, bowl) opposing the saturated purple and violet of the fruits. The canvas is enhanced by a gilded wood and stucco frame from the First Empire period. Rich ornamentation of great finesse typical of the style of Napoleon I, composed of palmette motifs on the reserves and figures of swans in the corners. Beautiful overall brilliance of the gilding. Very satisfactory state of conservation. Healthy, regular network of craquelures without lifting on the paint layer. Canvas on its original stretcher, free from relining. Frame showing some old minor usage nicks, previously restored and regilded. Measurements: • Height with frame: 52 cm. • Width with frame: 44 cm. • Height visible: 40 cm. • Width visible: 32 cm.