Édouard Righetti’s Le Faisan (The Pheasant)– A Dynamic Expression of Nature

Édouard Righetti (1924, Menton – 2001, Paris) was a French painter and printmaker known for his expressive and dynamic style, often depicting animals and nature with bold strokes and vivid textures. This artwork, titled Le Faisan (The Pheasant), is an oil painting on canvas from 1999, measuring 50 x 100 cm (19.7 x 39.4 inches). The painting is signed "Ed. Righetti" in the lower right corner and dated and located as "Paris 1999" in the lower left. Righetti’s signature style is evident in the energetic lines and rich, layered textures that bring movement to the composition. The pheasant is depicted with a striking contrast of white and black plumage, a red face, and an expressive posture, set against an abstract, geometric background that adds depth and modernist influence. This late-career piece reflects Righetti’s mastery of color and form, demonstrating his ability to merge realism with expressive abstraction. His work remains highly regarded in French post-war modern art, particularly in animal portraiture and expressive figuration.