MARCEL DYF (French, 1899-1985) Claudine Songeuse (Claudine Pensive) oil on canvas 59.7 x 73.7 cm / 23 9/10 x 29 1/2 in. As a young, aspiring Impressionist, Dyf moved from the Normandy family home to Arles in 1922 to train and open a studio, he would keep this studio until 1942. Following WWII he moved to Venice and then to Cannes in the early 1950’s where he would paint for many years. It was here in Cannes where Dyf met and married Claudine Godat, a 19 year old model some 36 years his younger. She was to become his wife, lifelong love and the inspirational subject for much of his painting. His painting in the South was supported by large American collector following. The artist’s adoration for Claudine led to numerous paintings of her in daily settings, where through his colourful palette and energetic brushwork, Dyf would adoringly portray his muse with angelic serenity and beauty.