Artwork
La Terrasse aux arcades à Vallauris
La Terrasse aux arcades à Vallauris is an oil painting by Raoul Dufy. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1927, this oil on canvas by French painter Raoul Dufy depicts a sun‑lit terrace framed by a series of arches. The composition opens with the arches in the foreground, leading the eye toward a distant skyline of trees and modest buildings beneath a clear blue sky. The overall atmosphere conveys a gentle, sun‑warmed calm.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents an everyday architectural scene—a promenade or terrace—rendered with a sense of leisure. The varied hues of the arches suggest a festive, almost theatrical setting, while the tranquil background hints at a leisurely stroll through a Mediterranean locale, inviting viewers to imagine a moment of quiet enjoyment.
Technique & Style
Dufy employs a loose, fluid brushstroke typical of his post‑Impressionist phase, balancing vivid, saturated tones with softer, muted shades. The surface shows a textured handling of paint, especially in the arches, where layered strokes create a tactile quality. The sky’s flat blue field and the simplified forms reflect his affinity for decorative patterning.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of the Kunsthaus Zürich, where it remains on display. Acquired shortly after its creation, the work has been part of the museum’s holdings for many decades, representing Dufy’s productive period in the late 1920s when he focused on Mediterranean subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raoul Dufy was a French painter associated with the Fauvist movement. He gained recognition for his vibrant and decorative style, which became popular in various forms, such as textile designs, and public building…
