Léon Raffin (1906-1996) - Paesaggio lacustre

Artist: Léon Raffin (1906-1996)
Title of the work: Lake landscape with cypress trees and architectures (descriptive title)
Technique: Watercolor and gouache on paper
Signature: Hand-signed (lower right: "Léon Raffin")
Era: Mid-20th century
Condition: Good preservation, vivid colors well maintained.
Dimensions of the work: 30 x 22 cm
Dimensions with frame: 48 x 41 cm
Description of the Work

Bright and finely structured, this paper painting by Léon Raffin (1906-1996) captures the serene beauty of a coastal or lakeside landscape with a typically Mediterranean flavor.
The artist skillfully uses watercolor combined with the opacity of gouache to create broad swathes of color, synthesizing forms with a quasi-Post-Impressionist sensibility and a marked geometric sense.

In the foreground, the composition is dominated by the contrast between the dark verticality of the elegant cypresses and the warm geometries of the burnt-ochre tiled roofs of the historic building beneath, likely a parish church or a manor villa. The gaze then opens onto the tranquil blue expanse of the water, and finally rests on the gentle profile of the mountains in the background. The color balance of greens, ochres, and cerulean tones reflects the artist's great stylistic maturity.

Details, Provenance and Authenticity:
The work is clearly signed by the artist in the bottom right. On the back is applied the historical label of the famous Geneva crafts shop "Artisana - Cadres D'Art / Fournitures pour les Beaux-Arts" located on Rue de la Verdaine in Geneva, a detail that enriches the piece with solid local historical context. Also on the back are pencil annotations with the exact dimensions of the artwork and the frame (30x22 and 48x41) and an old price or appraisal note ("Raffin 1500.-").

The work is framed under glass and protected by a mat to enhance its compositional freshness, enclosed in a delicate molded frame that echoes the painting's subdued tones.
The frame, if visible in the photo, is included in the lot as a pure gift from me and is not part of the sale, does not determine its value, and, given its delicacy, is not insured. Consequently, any existing defects on the frame are not reported and any damage to it during transport will not be considered for claims or returns.

Shipping and customs notes
The item is shipped from Geneva, Switzerland.
For this reason, delivery times to European Union countries may be slightly longer than usual due to standard customs procedures.
I also remind you that, since Switzerland lies outside the EU customs area, import duties, local VAT, and customs duties are entirely the buyer's responsibility and will be collected by the authorities in your country upon delivery. I recommend checking in advance to avoid surprises. Alternatively to shipping, if you have the option, in-person pickup in Geneva is always the option I prefer and strongly recommend, as it will eliminate shipping costs and ensure maximum safety for the artwork. If shipping is chosen, I will do my best to package it to protect the painting during transit.