Artwork
Sortie de bain
Sortie de bain is a print by Charles Dufresne. It dates from 1931 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1931.259
- Credit line
- Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
About this work
Overview
Sortie de bain, created around 1931 by French artist Charles Georges Dufresne, is a print that showcases the artist's versatile practice across various mediums. The work presents a nuanced scene of a figure emerging from a bath, characterized by a blend of stylization and realism.
Subject & Meaning
Contrary to the title's suggestion of a single figure, the print depicts an interaction between two figures of differing prominence. The dominant, larger figure faces the viewer, while a smaller, partially obscured figure looks up, introducing a dynamic of observation or connection. The somber mood, achieved through a predominantly dark palette, suggests a contemplative or intimate atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Dufresne employs chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, emphasizing the contrast between light and dark tones. Visible brushstrokes in the mixed-tone background add a layer of texture, balancing the stylized forms of the figures with a sense of spontaneity.
History & Provenance
Limited information is available on the specific history and ownership timeline of Sortie de bain. It is known to have been created circa 1931, reflecting Dufresne's active period in the early 20th century as a multifaceted artist.
Context
Sortie de bain situates itself within the early 20th-century French art scene, where artists explored a wide range of styles and mediums. Dufresne's work here reflects this eclectic period, blending traditional techniques like chiaroscuro with modernist inclinations towards stylization.
Legacy
The legacy of Sortie de bain is intertwined with Dufresne's broader contribution to early 20th-century French art. While not singly definitive, it contributes to the understanding of the era's artistic experimentation and the evolution of Dufresne's distinctive visual language.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Georges-Charles Dufresne (23 November 1876, Millemont - 8 August 1938, La Seyne-sur-Mer) was a French painter, engraver, sculptor and decorator.
