This striking large-scale portrait titled “Virginia” is a powerful example of the unmistakable visual language associated with contemporary French artist Françoise Nielly. Executed in 2021, the composition captures an intense, direct gaze through bold, sculptural brushwork and a vibrant, high-contrast palette.
The face emerges through dynamic layers of color - electric pinks, deep blues, sharp yellows and rich blacks - applied with confident, gestural strokes. The surface reveals a tactile, almost carved quality, suggesting the use of a palette knife technique, with thick impasto creating depth, rhythm, and movement across the canvas.
The composition is tightly framed, focusing on the eyes and expression, which convey both strength and vulnerability. This immediacy and emotional intensity are key elements that make works of this style highly sought-after in contemporary interiors and collections.
Signed and dated on the reverse “Virginia – October 2021”, the painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued in Paris in 2023, confirming the title, dimensions, and technique.
This is a statement piece - bold, modern, and visually commanding - perfectly suited for a refined contemporary space or a curated art collection.
Signed and dated on the reverse
Certificate of authenticity included (Paris, 2023)
Details:
• Technique: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 80 x 80 cm; 31.5 x 31.5 inches
• Condition: The artwork is in excellent condition, with no visible damage, restorations, or structural issues. Canvas is well stretched on a solid wooden stretcher. Colors remain vibrant and saturated. Please note: Additional Notes.
(The photographs form an integral part of the description.)
A well-placed antique does more than decorate a room - it gives it authorship. Against a contemporary interior, older objects introduce texture, balance and a sense of permanence that cannot be replicated by newly made pieces alone.
This is the principle behind the LÜRON selection. We look for works that carry historical character with ease, and that feel as convincing in a Paris apartment as they do in a more modern architectural setting.
