La Fée Électricité (The Spirit of Electricity)
Reproduction of a monumental mural painting on a digital display or print under glass. • Raoul Dufy (1877–1953)
Style & Movement
Fauvism / Modernism
Medium & Technique
Original: Oil on plywood panels. This piece appears to be a backlit digital display or a high-quality print mimicking the vibrant colors and sketchy linework of the original.
Creation Period
Original created in 1937; this digital reproduction is contemporary (c. 2010-2023).
Dimensions & Format
Original is 10 x 60 meters; this reproduction is approximately 40-50 inches in landscape format.
Subject Description
A panorama of the history of electricity, featuring 110 scientists and philosophers through the ages. The composition includes industrial motifs, clouds, electrical equipment, and allegorical figures in a vibrant, color-blocked landscape.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (as a decorative digital item); the light distribution appears even within the frame.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $2,500 (depending on hardware/display quality)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $1,500 (as a decorative electronics item)
Provenance History
Original commissioned for the Pavilion de la Lumière et de l'Électricité at the 1937 International Exhibition, Paris; currently in the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. This version is a commercial reproduction.
Art Historical Significance
The original was the largest painting in the world at its completion. It is a masterpiece of Dufy's later career, celebrating human progress and the marriage of art and technology.
Notable Features
Features the distinct 'couleur-lumière' technique where color is applied independently of the outlines (dissociated drawing).
Condition Issues
None visible; potential for pixel burn-in or electronic failure if digital; light glare on the surface.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent screen degradation or fading of print pigments.