Jean Dufy, a distinguished French Art Deco painter, is celebrated for his vivid interpretations of post-war Parisian life, particularly his captivating renditions of Jazz musicians who emerged alongside American troops. Born on March 12, 1888, in La Havre, France, he was the sibling of the renowned French Fauvist painter Raoul Dufy, whose mentorship deeply influenced Jean's artistic journey. Despite lacking formal training, Jean's passion for painting was ignited after encountering a Modern Art exhibition in La Havre, culminating in his inaugural showcase at Galerie Berthe Weill in 1914.
For nearly three decades, Dufy lent his artistic expertise to a porcelain manufacturer, where he meticulously hand-painted decorative motifs featuring animals and flowers. His exceptional talent earned him a prestigious gold medal at the 1925 L’exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs, an event notable for coining the term "Art Deco." Living in close proximity to Georges Braque, a prominent figure in Cubism, Dufy found inspiration and encouragement to explore new artistic frontiers.