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Fanch Lel
Expressionist 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

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