Jean Dulac (1902-1968) Beynac - The Upper Dordogne Village

Jean DULAC
(Bourgoin 1902 – Lyon 1968)
Beynac – Le bourg haut
Oil on panel
H. 41 cm; W. 33 cm
Signed lower right
Circa 1950

Provenance: Artist's studio

Dulac made his debut at the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon in 1915 when he was only 13 years old. He proved to be an excellent draftsman and quickly won first prizes in drawing and sculpture. He was notably a student of Paul Landowski. His first paintings only date from the end of the 1930s, managing to master this new technique. He continued in this vein during the war, when he was mobilized in Annecy, not having the technical means to sculpt. After the world conflict he persevered in painting and produced large decorative compositions, landscapes, portraits and still lifes, which combined modernity and tradition. He travelled regularly and produced works during his travels throughout France. The south is mainly represented, from the Dordogne to Provence, via the Lot, the Tarn, Cantal, the Pyrenees and the southern Alps. In 1946, he founded the Salon de la Société Lyonnaise des Beaux-Arts, where he exhibited and which he directed until his death.

During his travels, Dulac stopped at least once in Périgord. He brought back two very beautiful views of the central square of Domme, as well as this atypical view of Beynac, taken from the top of the village, of which we can only see the still dominant fortress in the background. The sweet tones and broad strokes are the trademark of the painter who knew how to pierce the vibration of the local light.