Intriguing Oil On Canvas: Faust By Marc Clauzade - 18" x 21¾"

This intriguing oil on canvas by contemporary French artist Marc Clauzade (b. 1957), titled Faust (1991), brings to life a theatrical and enigmatic urban scene. At its center, the unmistakable figure of Mephistopheles joins a crowd, his presence subtly unsettling yet magnetic. The expressive brushstrokes and earthy, dynamic palette lend the composition a sense of movement, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time—a pause before fate unfolds. Encasing the artwork is a carefully chosen frame that enhances the painting’s depth and drama. With its bold combination of dark lacquered sections and warm gilded corners, the frame echoes the duality of Faust—a story of temptation and grandeur. The contrast between the deep, almost shadowy hues and the luminous gold lends a sense of opulence and mystique, perfectly complementing Clauzade’s expressive style. 

A direct nod to literature and opera, the background reveals a faded inscription: "Metropolitan Opera New York," alongside the title Faust. This detail anchors the painting in a specific cultural context, referencing Charles Gounod’s celebrated opera adaptation of Goethe’s timeless tale.

French painter Marc Clauzade is known for his dynamic compositions, which often explore complex themes with a modern twist. His late 20th-century works frequently blend theatricality with spontaneity, as seen in Faust, where he references classic literature and opera. In this piece, Clauzade masterfully captures the tension between spectacle and reality, illusion and truth, creating a work that is not only a captivating addition to any collection but also a profound reflection on temptation, destiny, and the blurred boundaries between performance and life.

Condition and patina consistent with age.
Approx. overall incl. frame 18" high x 21¾" wide x 2¼" thick
Approx. overall incl. frame 46cm high x 55cm wide x 6cm thick