Charles Granval: Fauve Seascape, 1937 Art Deco Period French Oil

It is extraordinary how often I come across paintings by artists who were also renowned actors. Charles Granval (1882-1943) is one of them. A member of the Comdie Franaise, he starred in numerous films, notably in Jean Renoir's "Boudu Saved from Drowning".

Born in Rouen in Normandy near the coast, Granval clearly loved the sea, which clearly comes across in this lively, joyous seascape. Effortlessly graceful and high octane, it might have been painted by Jean or Raoul Dufy, his peers (born 1877 and 1888 respectively, just up the road from Rouen in Le Havre)!

Our oil on canvas is signed and dated 1937 by Granval at the lower left, and dedicated "pour Marie". Measuring 27 x 35 cm, the overall framed size is 44 x 52 cm.