René Lelong, 1871 – 1938

ELEGANT COUPLE ON THE BEACH OF DEAUVILLE Oil on canvas. 61 x 50 cm. Monogrammed lower right. In wide frame. An elegant gentleman stands in front of the cloudy sky, looking into the distance with binoculars. Next to him sits a lady, also looking curiously into the distance, beyond our view. In the background are bathers and children playing. The detailed rendering of the figures and their clothing is matched by the rapid and spontaneous realization of the background. René Lelong was a well-known French painter, book illustrator and poster artist. Stylistically close to Art Nouveau, his style of painting and illustration later changed to a light-filled depiction of modern metropolitan life, which is also expressed in his high-quality designs for art prints and advertising illustrations. The present painting also demonstrates his full skill. (1401489) (19)