Raphaël Delorme (1886-1962), Preparatory Study For La Piscine, Watercolor And Pencil

Raphaël DELORME (1886-1962)
Preparatory study for the painting "La Piscine"
Watercolor and pencil on paper
Annotated "La Piscine" lower right
31 x 20 cm
Fold mark lower right, tiny stains, small pinhole upper center

Born in 1886 in Bordeaux, Raphaël Delorme is one of the major figures of so-called "Art Deco" painting. He received his first training at the École des Beaux-Arts in his hometown before moving to Paris where he began a brief career as a theater designer. Supported and encouraged by a wealthy relative, he quickly focused on easel painting. Not very concerned with selling his paintings, he nevertheless exhibited regularly at the Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Tuileries.

Raphaël Delorme developed a very unique visual universe populated with female nudes and mythological creatures. These figures evolve within eccentric scenographies where ancient architecture and surrealist machines blend. A real harmony emerges from his compositions, always impeccable in their drawing and produced in cold tones characteristic of his art.

We were able to link this study with the painting Le Piscine (oil on canvas)(ill.1) for which it seems preparatory.

Public collections
Bordeaux, Musée des Beaux-Arts
Libourne, Musée des Beaux-Arts