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Fanch LelExpressionist Portrait of a Man with Piercing Eyes and Bold Brushwork
About the Item
Title: Expressionist Portrait of a Man with Piercing Eyes and Bold Brushwork
By Fanch Lel
Size: 21.25 x 19.25 inches (height x width)
Oil painting on board, unframed
Condition: The painting is in good condition with minor signs of wear and handling along the edges consistent with age.
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.
Description:
This compelling oil-on-board portrait by French painter Fanch Lel captures an emotionally charged male subject rendered in rich impasto and expressive mark-making. The sitter stares directly out at the viewer with a penetrating gaze, surrounded by a fractured, textured background of diagonally applied strokes in muted blue, rust, and ochre tones.
The composition centers on the intense facial expression, which combines realism with abstraction. Prominent cheekbones, tightly drawn lips, and deep-set eyes suggest a figure of resilience or introspection. The face emerges from a backdrop of intersecting brushstrokes, lending a modern, psychological dimension to the otherwise traditional bust-length format. The brushwork across the face is sculptural, almost carved—further emphasized by the thick handling of the paint.
The sitter wears a collared garment in muted greys and browns, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain fixed on the emotional intensity of the face. While the identity of the subject is unknown, the portrait’s raw power and unique execution stand out within Lel’s body of work.
Fanch Lel’s work, often associated with mid-to-late 20th-century French regionalism, here veers into a more modernist and psychological register. Collectors of expressive portraiture, outsider art, or figurative expressionism will appreciate this piece for its immediacy and layered brush technique.
A strong visual statement piece, ideal for gallery walls or as a characterful addition to a study or creative space.
- Creator:Fanch Lel (1930, French)
- Dimensions:Height: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)Diameter: 19.25 in (48.9 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Cirencester, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU509316308362
Fanch Lel
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.

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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Cirencester, United Kingdom
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