1980s Francis “Duke” Downs Signed Palm Beach Garden Oil on Canvas in Ornate Gilt Frame

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Charming original oil on canvas by Francis “Duke” Downs (c. 1915–2009), a longtime Palm Beach County, Florida artist who maintained … Read more Charming original oil on canvas by Francis “Duke” Downs (c. 1915–2009), a longtime Palm Beach County, Florida artist who maintained a studio at Gallery One in Lake Park.
This richly colored composition depicts an elegant Florida garden courtyard overflowing with flowering plants, climbing vines and terracotta pots surrounding a classical sculptural bust. A dramatic architectural arch and deep background provide contrast to Downs’ lively palette of crimson red, yellow, violet, white and lush green.
Downs worked with expressive, painterly brushwork and generous areas of textured impasto, particularly throughout the flowers and foliage, giving the relatively intimate canvas wonderful depth and visual energy.
The painting is hand-signed “F. Downs” at the lower right and is additionally identified by an applied brass “FRANCIS DOWNS” plaque on the linen liner.
Beautifully presented in a substantial vintage ornate giltwood frame with deeply modeled floral and foliate decoration, an embellished inner molding and neutral linen liner. The impressive frame gives the painting exceptional wall presence and complements the romantic Palm Beach garden subject.
Francis “Duke” Downs was a longtime resident of Palm Beach County. After retiring from his career as a general contractor, he devoted himself extensively to painting, exhibited locally and maintained his studio at Gallery One in Lake Park, Florida.
An especially appealing example of Downs’ work and a wonderful choice for a Palm Beach, Florida Regency, traditional, maximalist or collected interior. See less