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

Framed painting under glass, gouache of a sailboat sailing in rough seas, signed lower left L. Haffner. Period 20th century Size of the gouache on sight 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. Indeed he produced oils, but especially gouaches, drawings, numerous stencils, illustrations of countless books, (see our section on books) We can compare some of Haffner's works 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 holidays with cousins. Attracted by drawing, very observant, boats were his favorite models and he already drew them to perfection. A drawing competition, organized by the French Maritime League in 1907, made him known, he won second prize, and in 1911 he joined the same league as an architect-librarian; he left as director at the age of 73. Very quickly his talent became evident, 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, illustrations of countless books. He also produced many postcards of ships. He did not content himself with illustrating other people's books 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 likely to inspire vocations as sailors.