Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9

Fanch Lel
Expressionist Portrait of a Man in a Red Sweater Against a Bold Blue Abstract

20TH CENTURY

About the Item

Portrait of a Man signed by Fanch Lel (French b. 1930) size: 10.75 x 9 inches oil painting on board, unframed condition: the painting is in very good condition. It has previously been stored in the artists studio. Description: This painting is a striking portrait of a man, depicted in an expressionistic style. The subject is centered against an abstract and textured background dominated by bold blues and rough, layered brushstrokes that create an energetic yet turbulent atmosphere. The man's face is painted with a mix of intense colors—pinks, yellows, greens, and reds—applied in thick impasto, giving his features a sculpted and tactile quality. His expression is serious and introspective, contrasting with the more dynamic background. He is dressed in a red sweater with a blue collar, with similar textured strokes applied to his clothing, adding depth and vibrancy to the figure. The overall composition conveys a raw, emotional depth, characteristic of modern portraiture that emphasizes mood and psychological complexity over realism. Provenance: all the paintings we have for sale by this artist have come from the artists estate and have had no previous owners at all. We are pleased to offer a significant collection of original works by Fanch Lel, a celebrated Breton artist known for his captivating depictions of Brittany’s landscapes, markets, and traditional life. Fanch Lel’s paintings, primarily executed in oil and gouache, evoke the serenity and charm of the French countryside, with a particular emphasis on the region's coastal and rural beauty. His works often highlight iconic landmarks such as Mont Saint-Michel and capture the essence of Breton culture with his portrayals of the region’s people and customs. Lel's self-taught, plein air approach allows for dynamic compositions that reflect the atmospheric light and textures of the region, giving his pieces a timeless appeal. His choice of soft, muted colors and rich textures brings a sense of nostalgia and quietude to each painting, making them a perfect addition to collections that appreciate mid-century French art. A member of the Société des Artistes Indépendants and a Knight of the Palmes Académiques, Fanch Lel's works have been featured in numerous exhibitions across France, including in Paris, Avranches, Dinard, and Pont-Aven, to name a few. His art has been highly sought after by collectors for decades. This collection offers a rare opportunity to acquire original works by Fanch Lel, whose paintings resonate with the cultural heritage of Brittany, while also offering a serene window into the natural beauty of the French countryside. Key Details: Medium: original painting on board Style: Mid-century Breton landscape and figurative works Exhibitions: Paris, Avranches, Dinard, Pont-Aven, and more Notable Accolades: Member of the Société des Artistes Indépendants and Knight of the Palmes Académiques These pieces are perfect for collectors of mid-century French art or anyone looking to add a touch of Breton charm to their space. Biography notes: Fanch Lel, born in 1930, was a self-taught Breton artist known for his evocative depictions of everyday life in Brittany, France. His works often focus on landscapes, seascapes, and scenes of traditional Breton life, including coastal views, markets, and local people in traditional attire. His artistic career began in the mid-20th century, and he has become well-regarded for his oil paintings, which often capture the tranquil charm and rustic beauty of simple every day life in Brittany. Despite not having formal art education, Lel's artistic journey was deeply rooted in his love for Brittany and its rich traditions. His fascination with the region's landscapes and people is a recurring theme in his work, as he frequently portrays iconic landmarks like Mont Saint-Michel and traditional Breton markets. His plein air painting style allows him to create works that vividly reflect the atmosphere of the region. In addition to his regional focus, Fanch Lel's career has included exhibitions across France. His dedication to his craft has led him to become a member of the Society of Independent Artists and a Knight of the Palmes Académiques. Throughout his artistic career, Fanch Lel has actively participated in numerous exhibitions across France, including Avranches, Courchevel, Deauville, Dinard, Paris, Pont-Aven, and Mayo. These showcases have provided a platform for his captivating artworks to be appreciated by a wider audience.
  • Creator:
    Fanch Lel (1930, French)
  • Creation Year:
    20TH CENTURY
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Cirencester, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU509315177032

More From This Seller

View All
19400's French Impressionist Signed Oil Portrait of Lady with Brown Hair
By Claude Benard
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Claude Benard, signed and dated 1943 Title: Portrait of a Lady with Brown Hair Medium: oil painting on board , unframed Size: board : 16 x 12.5 inches Provenanc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

1950's French Modernist Signed Oil Ladies dressed in Yellow Gazing Upwards
By Claude Benard
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Claude Benard, signed and dated 1952 Title: Ladies in Yellow Medium: oil painting on board, unframed Size: board : 16 x 13 inches Provenance: private collection...
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

1950's French Impressionist Signed Oil - Artist at Easel Self Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed and dated 57 Title: Self Portrait of an artist at his easel, wearing a yellow sweater. Medium: oil on canvas, u...
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Three Dancing Ballerina Figures Male & Female Large Original 20th Century Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures Dancing by Maria Tort Xirau (Catalan, 1924-2018) signed lower corner dated 1993 oil painting on canvas, framed canvas: 29 x 19.75 inches framed: 30 x 21 inches Very good co...
Category

Late 20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Victorian School Boys in Top Hats, Signed Original Huge Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The School Boys by Maria Tort Xirau (Catalan, 1924-2018) signed lower corner oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 29 x 40 inches Very good condi...
Category

Late 20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of Distinguished Man in Red Polo Neck Sweater, signed oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French, signed and dated 84' Title: Portrait of a man in a red polo neck jumper. Medium: oil on board, unframed and double sided image. Board : 18 x 15 inches P...
Category

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

You May Also Like

Mid Century Garden Portrait of a Woman in Lavender
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful impressionist mid-century portrait of a woman in a garden setting by Philadelphia artist Sol Jasner (American, 20th Century). The woman has short hair and is wearing a lovely lavender colored blouse, and she is surrounded by lush greenery with a cluster of grapes growing on the vine in the background. Signed "Sol Jasner" on verso. Unframed. Canvas size: 18"H x 24"W. A mid-century Philadelphia artist and art educator active in the 1960’s, Sol Jasner taught art classes alongside his contemporary Philadelphia artist Martin Zipin.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Conversation w/The Delivery Man, oil, 26x17, Lucca, Italy, Impressionism
By James Crandall
Located in Houston, TX
Conversation with the Delivery man was painted onsite in Lucca, Italy. The artists frequently travels to Lucca to paint.Look for shipping discount. Other available paintings shown below. After a long career as a concept illustrator in the advertising and motion-picture industry, James Crandall...
Category

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Metro Thinker, Portrait & Figurative artist, , Classical, Florence Academy
By Anton Zhou
Located in Houston, TX
Metro Rider is painted in the classical style of Realism that he first learned at the Florence Academy of Art. He has painted portraits over the years and is known for showing the expressions in the person's face. He is also know for winning the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo art...
Category

2010s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Mid Century Modern Portrait of a Dark Haired Man
By Genevieve Rogers
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid-Century Modern portrait of a man by California artist Genevieve Rogers (American, 1904-1984). The abstracted background has texture created with d...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cardboard, Oil, Canvas

Mid Century Portrait of a Woman with Pearls
By Genevieve Rogers
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid century portrait of a woman with pearls and a blue shirt by California artist Genevieve Rogers (American, 1904-1984). Unsigned, but acquired with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Pierrot and the Butterfly, " Early 20th Century Impressionist Oil Portrait
Located in Wiscasset, ME
"Pierrot and the Butterfly" is an early 20th century Impressionist oil portrait. The painting is indistinctly signed lower right and m...
Category

Early 20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Recently Viewed

View All