Parade de fete nationale " 14 Juillet " 1952

The 1952 original poster Parade de fête nationale by Raoul Dufy is a vivid and lively piece of mid-20th century art that captures the vibrant energy and spirit of French national celebrations. Created to promote an exhibition of Dufy's paintings at the Galerie Louis Carré in Paris, the poster reflects the artist's signature style, blending expressive, colorful brushwork with a keen sense of movement and festivity. This work exemplifies Dufy's ability to translate the atmosphere of French parades and public celebrations into visual form.

At the center of the composition is a depiction of a marching band, a key element in French national celebrations. The figures are stylized in Dufy's typical fashion, with elongated bodies and simplified, expressive faces. Each band member is dressed in vibrant red, blue, and white uniforms—the colors of the French flag—reflecting the patriotic theme of the parade. The drum players, trumpeters, and other musicians are presented in an energetic, dynamic formation, marching forward as if in the midst of a grand procession. Their bodies seem to sway and move with the rhythm of the music, conveying a sense of motion and sound that brings the poster to life.

Dufy's use of color is one of the most striking aspects of this poster. The red, white, and blue palette dominates the composition, symbolizing France and reinforcing the patriotic theme of the fête nationale (national celebration). The background is filled with large French flags, their bold, abstract shapes waving in the air, creating a sense of unity and festivity. Dufy's brushstrokes are loose and fluid, giving the impression of flags fluttering in the wind and people moving with excitement. The artist's characteristic use of bright, vibrant colors conveys the joy and liveliness of the parade, making the viewer feel as though they are a part of the celebration.

The poster also reflects Dufy's modernist approach to composition and perspective. Rather than focusing on realistic proportions or detailed figures, Dufy emphasizes the overall mood and energy of the scene. The figures and objects in the parade are simplified and almost cartoon-like, yet they are full of personality and expression. This abstracted style allows Dufy to capture the essence of the event—the collective excitement and spirit of the crowd—rather than focusing on individual details. The use of flattened, overlapping shapes and bold lines creates a sense of depth and movement without the need for traditional perspective.

At the bottom of the poster, the bold black text provides essential information about the exhibition. The word "DUFY" is prominently displayed in large, capital letters, followed by "PEINTURES" (paintings) in a smaller font. The exhibition dates, "Du 2 Mai au 17 Mai 1952" (from May 2 to May 17, 1952), and the location, "GALERIE LOUIS CARRÉ, PARIS," are clearly listed below. The typography is clean and modern, reflecting the style of the time and providing a clear contrast to the more organic, flowing forms of the artwork above.

The combination of Dufy's artwork and the simple, effective typography creates a visually striking poster that is both informative and artistically appealing. The poster not only serves as a promotional tool for the exhibition but also stands as a work of art in its own right, embodying Dufy's love for color, movement, and the celebratory spirit of French culture.

Parade de fête nationale captures the joyous essence of a national parade, filled with music, flags, and a collective sense of pride. Dufy's bold, expressive style makes this poster an iconic representation of both his artistic vision and the cultural vibrancy of post-war France. The dynamic composition, vivid colors, and energetic figures make this poster an excellent example of Dufy's ability to convey emotion and atmosphere through his unique artistic language, ensuring its place as a memorable piece of 1950s French art and design.

In summary, Raoul Dufy's Parade de fête nationale is a celebration of French patriotism and artistic expression, combining the festive imagery of a national parade with the artist's bold, modernist style. The poster's dynamic composition, vibrant color palette, and abstracted figures capture the excitement of the event while promoting Dufy's 1952 exhibition at the Galerie Louis Carré in Paris. This piece stands as both a work of art and a historical artifact, reflecting the cultural and artistic trends of mid-20th century France.

Original poster

Exhibition

Mourlot Paris

Good condition, dirt