Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
Francois CloutierIntermission
$16,000
£11,989.05
€14,054.67
CA$22,407.88
A$25,115.40
CHF 13,148.26
MX$309,909.06
NOK 165,166.66
SEK 155,474.28
DKK 104,848.69
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Image of a ballerina wearing a tutu sitting in front of a brick wall.
Signed Lower Left.
Artist Francois Cloutier captures the essence of ballet in paintings of dancers who maintain their onstage poise and grace even in moments of backstage relaxation.
Francois Cloutier portrays dancers in his oil paintings - but not onstage, in theatrical lighting doing arabesques and grand jetés. Instead, he shows them in moments of offstage quiet; in precious rests during rehearsals or classes, alone, lost in thought.
This is an unusual approach. After all, ballet is an almost otherworldly blend of music and movement - a thrilling inspiration for any artist.
Then why would a painter turn away from this glory to concentrate on unplanned, sometimes tired - or even discouraged - back stage moments? And why are these paintings so compelling that they are snapped up by some of the most discriminating collectors in the Americas and abroad?
Cloutier's dancers have an immediate and undeniable presence and charm. But there is more; something tantalizing and intangible and compelling.
A professor of art from a nearby university recently studied Cloutier's work and described it this way: "His figures blend two eminently human traits. They show their individuality at the same time that they show their commitment to an ideal of beauty that transcends their individual, personal feelings."
Cloutier puts this complex idea into Visual form simply, with subtlety and grace. His dancers show their feelings, but with movements which are part of the physical discipline which has become instinctive. Their gestures and poses, even in relaxed, unguarded moments, reveal their discipline.
It is clear that Cloutier has a mature and sensitive insight into the nature of ballet. One is tempted to ask about his background in dance, - with whom has he studied?
But Cloutier has never had a formal ballet lesson. He adds a bit ruefully that he isn't even a very good ballroom dancer. At this, his wife Marilyn smiles quietly and almost imperceptibly shakes her head. On the contrary, she responds; he is quite good at ballroom dancing.
Marilyn knows whereof she speaks. She is a dancer and choreographer with an impressive resume of her own. She recognizes qualities of rhythm and coordination in her husband. They are so natural to him that he doesn't give them much thought.
- Creator:Francois Cloutier (1927, French)
- Dimensions:Height: 48 in (121.92 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Fort Washington, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: 3921stDibs: LU3843961943
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1995
1stDibs seller since 2016
126 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 3 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Fort Washington, PA
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllThe Rescue, original cover illustration for Complete Northwest Magazine
By William R. Leigh
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Cover Illustration for Complete Northwest magazine, April 1940
Exhibitions: It's a Man's World, Illustration Art by and for Men: November 14-17 2012, Illustration House NYC
Category
1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"“Her silent fear hurt David unendurably" Cosmopolitan Story Illustration
By William Henry Dethlef Koerner
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Story illustration for “The Flower of the Flock” by Jay Gelzer for Cosmopolitan, published August 1921, pages 74-75
The Post describes the tale as “The story of a Kentucky mountain...
Category
1920s Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
'The Dead Ride Hard'
By Mead Schaeffer
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Date: 1926
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 28.00" x 30.00"
Framed Dimensions: 35⅛ x 39⅛ in.
Signature: Signed Lower Left
Magazine story illustration for "The Dead Ride Hard," for ...
Category
1930s Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Woman with Bird, Advertisement for Treo Elastic Girdles, circa 1923
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Original advertisement for the Treo Girdle Company, published in the October 1923 issue of McCall’s Magazine, page 93, and likely in other publications as well.
This original adver...
Category
1920s Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
“The Queen’s Grace” Magazine story illustration for the Ladies’ Home Journal
By Coby Whitmore
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Story illustration for part 2 of “The Queen’s Grace” by Jan Westcott for the Ladies’ Home Journal, published April 1959, page 64.
Catherine Parr holds a significant place in history...
Category
20th Century Figurative Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Exquisite Perdita, Cosmopolitan Interior Illustration
By Dean Cornwell
Located in Fort Washington, PA
Story illustration for “The Exquisite Perdita” by E. Barrington for Cosmopolitan, published January 1926, pages 16-17.
The full caption reads: “Lord Malden was dazzled. Little did P...
Category
1920s Figurative Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
You May Also Like
Oil on Canvas “Cabo Azul 3”
By Frank Arnold
Located in Fresno, CA
“Cabo Azul 3” is 43” x 36”. Frank Arnold’s paintings exhibit the highest quality materials for a truly archival piece, created to last generations. Much of Frank Arnold’s work is so...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Mod 7
By Frank Arnold
Located in Fresno, CA
“Mod 7” is 20”x 16”. The heavy handed application of pigment renders an impasto portrait from another place in the deeper mind of the artist. Frank Arnold is one of the foremost abst...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$6,800
Oil on Canvas “Black 5” by abstract-figurative artist, Frank Arnold
By Frank Arnold
Located in Fresno, CA
" Black 5" is 36” x 36”. Solo figure, head and shoulders in bold white outline. Frank Arnold’s paintings exhibit the highest quality materials for a truly archival piece, created to ...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Oil on Canvas “BS Trust”
By Frank Arnold
Located in Fresno, CA
“BS Trust” is 36” x 36”. Frank Arnold’s paintings exhibit the highest quality materials for a truly archival piece, created to last generations. Much of Frank Arnold’s work is sourc...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Last Dance
By Frank Arnold
Located in Fresno, CA
Last Dance is an Oil on Canvas painting in soft, light aqua tones with red/brown accents. Frank Arnold is thought by many to be one of the foremost abstract...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$88,800
Freed 58
By Frank Arnold
Located in Fresno, CA
"Freed 58" Oil on Canvas is full range of blues from near white to Blu Black surrounding central figure. Frank Arnold is thought by many to be one of the foremost abstract figurative...
Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$95,800
More Ways To Browse
Ballet Charms
Nude Butt
Nura Woodson Ulreich
Pablo Picasso 347 Series
Paper Clip Sculpture
Paper Drawing Geisha
Pearl Jam
Pepsi Cola Vintage
Pete Turner
Peter Max Flag With Heart
Peter Max World Cup
Picasso 347 Series
Picasso Chouette
Picasso Minotaur Print
Picasso Poisson
Porto Santo Stefano
Rafael Barrios
Ray K Metzker