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Duplex

  • Creation date1959
  • Dimensions86.0 x 112.0 cm

Louis de Niverville (1933-2019) was a Canadian modernist painter known for imaginative, surreal works exploring dreams, memories & fantasy. His murals and illustrations captivated audiences. Discover his unique artistic vision!

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Total Price

$ 300

reproduction

Duplex

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$ 300

Artwork Description

The Duplex painting, created by Louis De Niverville in 1959, is a captivating artwork that showcases the artist's skill in combining elements of surrealism and realism. This oil on canvas painting measures 86 x 112 cm and is currently housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum (United States). The scene depicts a woman sitting in front of a window with a fishbowl in her hand, exuding an aura of calmness and serenity.

Composition and Symbolism

The composition of the painting is characterized by a sense of balance and harmony. The woman's gaze is directed out the window, while the fishbowl in her hand seems to be the focal point of the scene. The presence of two vases, one on either side of the room, adds to the sense of symmetry. A potted plant on the left side and a clock hanging above the woman's head further enhance the overall atmosphere of the painting. The symbolism in Duplex is multifaceted. The fishbowl can be seen as a symbol of confinement, while the woman's gaze out the window may represent a desire for freedom. The clock on the wall serves as a reminder of the passing of time, adding a sense of melancholy to the scene.

Artistic Style and Influences

Louis De Niverville's artistic style is characterized by a blend of surrealism and realism. His use of bold colors and distorted forms creates a dreamlike atmosphere, while his attention to detail and realistic depictions of everyday objects ground the scene in reality. The influence of other artists, such as Seated Woman with Orange Shoes and Nude and Orange Bird, can be seen in his work.
  • Surrealism: The use of dreamlike imagery and distorted forms creates a sense of uncertainty and intrigue.
  • Realism: The depiction of everyday objects, such as the fishbowl and vases, adds a sense of familiarity and grounding to the scene.
Handmade oil painting reproductions of Duplex are available on OriginalUniqueArt.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of this captivating masterpiece. For more information on Louis De Niverville and his works, visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum or explore the artist's page on OriginalUniqueArt.com.
The mystique of Duplex continues to captivate art enthusiasts, inviting them to unravel the secrets and symbolism hidden within this enigmatic masterpiece.

Artist Biography

Louis de Niverville (1933 – 2019): A Visionary Painter Bridging Neoclassicism and Surrealism

Louis de Niverville was born in Andover, England, in 1933 to Canadian parents, Éméla Noël and Albert de Niverville. Shortly after his birth, the family relocated to Montreal where he spent his formative years immersed in a vibrant multicultural environment. Recognizing early on the profound impact of illness on creativity—he endured spinal tuberculosis from age six until 1944—de Niverville attributed much of the fantastical quality characteristic of his later artistic endeavors to this period of isolation and introspection. He honed his skills through self-teaching, drawing inspiration from artists like Max Ernst, Salvador Dali, Matisse, Rousseau, Saul Steinberg, James Thurber, and Pierre Bonnard. These influences shaped his distinctive style—a blend of surrealism, symbolism, and primitivism—which sought to capture the essence of dreams, memories, and subconscious impulses.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

De Niverville’s fascination with visual art began at a young age when he encountered the witty illustrations in Saul Steinberg's book “All in Line” (1945). Encouraged by his mentor, Paul Arthur—who recognized his talent and urged him to pursue formal artistic training—he moved to Toronto in 1957. There, he secured employment as a graphic designer at CBC with Dennis Burton and Graham Coughtry, furthering his artistic development and establishing connections within the Canadian art scene. He joined the Royal Canadian Academy of Art (RCA) in 1963, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Career Highlights: Mural Commissions and Artistic Recognition

Throughout his prolific career spanning over six decades, Louis de Niverville achieved considerable acclaim as a muralist, illustrator, and printmaker. Notably, he undertook commissions for Toronto International Airport (1963) and the atrium of The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto) (1993), demonstrating his commitment to public art projects and engaging with diverse audiences. His monumental mural “The Maple Tree,” installed in Halifax’s Maple condominium complex in 2008, stands as a testament to his artistic vision and enduring legacy. Furthermore, he received four senior Canada Council grants which supported his ongoing artistic exploration and broadened his intellectual horizons.

Style and Influences: Surrealism and Beyond

De Niverville’s artistic style was characterized by an imaginative blend of surrealist techniques—particularly “inside-outside” spaces—infused with elements of symbolism and primitivism. He explored themes ranging from personal recollections and subconscious desires to landscapes, architectural grandeur, and animal imagery. His meticulous attention to detail combined with a masterful command of color and texture resulted in artworks that captivated viewers with their evocative beauty and intellectual depth. Like many artists before him, he drew inspiration from masters such as Matisse, Rousseau, Ernst, Dali and Steinberg.

Legacy and Artistic Influence

Louis de Niverville’s enduring impact on Canadian art is undeniable. His multifaceted oeuvre—spanning paintings, collages, prints, and mural commissions—continues to inspire artists and scholars alike. Recognized for his distinctive style and unwavering dedication to artistic exploration, he solidified his place as a pivotal figure in the history of modernist painting. His work resides in numerous public collections across Canada and internationally, ensuring that his visionary aesthetic will resonate for generations to come.

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Surrealism
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Rousseau']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Max Ernst
    • Salvador Dali
  • Date Of Birth: June 7, 1933
  • Date Of Death: February 11, 2019
  • Full Name: Louis de Niverville
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Le Roi S'Amuse
    • The Maple Tree
  • Place Of Birth: Andover, England
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