Code: 5073
Dimensions:
A superb mid 20th century oil on board landscape depicting boats on the beach, by the important French/Russian naïf artist Rastislaw Racoff.
The work is beautifully executed in the distinctive style of the artist and presented in a fine Montparnasse frame.
Signed and dated 1955 lower left and further inscribed with the artist's name, date and exhibition location (Paris) number on the reverse.
The artist is featured in Anatole Jakovsky's ''Peintres Naïfs'' which is considered the bible of 20th century French naïf painters. His works have sold for upto £5,000 at auction (Still Life of Fruit, Sotheby's, 30 November 2006).
Artist: Rastislaw Racoff (French/Russian 1904-1982)
Title: Boats on the Beach
Medium: Oil on board
Size: 20.5 x 17 inches (52 x 43 cm) including the frame
After the Russian Revolution Ratislaw Racoff lived first in Northern China and then moved to Paris in 1929. He studied law and worked as a scene painter for the film industry.
Racoff spent WW2 in the French army. When he was demobilised he became a picture framer, then decided in 1946-47 to devote all his time to painting.
His style is neat and accurate, sometimes recalling J. Lefranc, who was his patron and friend.
