Artwork
Bananas
Bananas is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Raoul Dufy. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1909, "Bananas" is an oil painting by French artist Raoul Dufy. The work is part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen. Its compact composition centers on a single figure—a monkey—against a uniformly colored backdrop, emphasizing the immediacy of the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a monkey grasping a banana with its right hand, the fruit held close to the animal’s mouth. Only the monkey’s left hand and head are visible, suggesting a moment of anticipation or consumption. The straightforward depiction invites viewers to consider everyday gestures rendered with a hint of humor.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on canvas, Dufy employs a flat, unmodulated background that isolates the figure and heightens contrast. The brushwork is smooth, and the palette is vivid yet restrained, reflecting the artist’s early interest in bold color and simplified forms that would later characterize his decorative approach.
History & Provenance
"Bananas" entered the Statens Museum for Kunst’s holdings after its acquisition in the early 20th century, though precise details of its purchase remain undocumented. The painting stands as an early example of Dufy’s oeuvre, predating his more extensive explorations of leisure scenes and urban life.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Raoul Dufy was a French painter associated with the Fauvist movement. He gained recognition for his vibrant and decorative style, which became popular in various forms, such as textile designs, and public building…
