Léon Haffner (1881-1972), Gouache "sailboat Sailing", 20th

Painting framed under glass, gouache of a sailboat sailing in rough seas, signed lower left L. Haffner. 20th century Size of the gouache 43*31 cm HAFFNER Léon. Born in 1881. Died in 1972 (91 years old). .. Appointed official painter of the navy in 1918. This painter has a fairly considerable body of work. In fact he produced oils, but above all gouaches, drawings, numerous stencils, illustrations for countless books, (see our section on the books) We can compare certain works of Haffner to the art of photography he used photography simultaneously with certain works. Haffner gave movement to the photos! Léon HAFFNER was born in Paris in 1881. (†1972). He discovered his vocation in Le Havre where he spent his vacations with cousins. Attracted by drawing, very observant, boats are his favorite models and he already draws them to perfection. A drawing competition, organized by the French Maritime League in 1907, made him known, he won second prize, and in 1911 joined the same league as architect-librarian; he left it as director at the age of 73. Very quickly his talent established itself, he was appointed marine painter in 1918. Léon HAFFNER has a considerable body of work and excels in the illustration of maritime works, in fact, he produced oils, but especially gouaches, drawings , numerous stencils, countless book illustrations. He also created many postcards of ships. He was not content with illustrating the books of others and the temptation to take up his pen came to him quite quickly. We owe him a dozen works devoted to our maritime history which are distinguished by the luminous clarity and elegance of their style, the accuracy of their documentation supported by the finesse, strength and truth of their illustrations which are very specific to arousing vocations as sailors.