80. Market in Cluj [1940]

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80. Market in Cluj [1940]

Francisc Gall

1912, Cluj - 1987, Paris

Estimate:

EUR 700 - 1.000

Sold

EUR 700

References

FLAMENT, Andre, "F. Gall", Editions Vision on the Arts, Paris.

ulei pe carton, 24.5 x 31.5 cm, signed and dated left below, in pencil, "E. Gall Ferencz, (1)940"

Francis Gall first arrives in Paris in 1936. However, in 1939, his father's deteriorating health forces him to return to Cluj to be by his side. The outbreak of the war prevents his return to France, with Gall now being drafted into the Romanian army, and later the Hungarian one. He will only return to France at the end of the war, and in 1949 he becomes a fully-fledged French citizen. The signature on this work, specific to the period before his definite settlement in France, indicates a period of formation and change, where landscapes appear more frugally sketched, with rapid strokes. It is a phase of exploration, where the painter is not yet interested in individualizing characters. Like Victor Hugo, Gall adopts the principle of "the songs of streets and woods", choosing to pictorially transcribe the places he loves the most - whether they are villages or cities. Quercy or Martel, his wife's birthplaces, as well as the ever-present Paris; or the history-laden cities, with old streets, monuments and churches, gardens and trees, cafes or racecourses will be recurring subjects in his work. We now identify the three main directions of his work: the female character, nature and the city. In 1946 his first personal exhibition takes place in Paris, at the Alexandre gallery, an occasion during which the French state will acquire one of his works. Francis Gall's works will also reach Stockholm, which will facilitate his international encounter with the public and criticism, from whom he will receive numerous accolades. Until 1946, his palette was primarily sober, trips to Cannes and Nice will contribute to the introduction of color in his work.

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