“Le Cavalier arabe (Le Cavalier blanc)” is a genre painting executed by Raoul Dufy in 1914. Rendered in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 66 x 81 cm and belongs to the Fauvism art movement.
The artwork depicts an Arab horseman astride a vibrant white horse set against a brilliantly blue background. The horse, mid-motion, is energetically captured with its front legs slightly raised, exhibiting a sense of dynamism and vigor. The rider, adorned in colorful attire featuring shades of red, yellow, and dark hues, contrasts sharply with the horse’s white body, drawing attention to the central figures. The artist employs bold brushstrokes and vivid colors typical of Fauvism, creating a visual intensity and emotional impact. The background, textured with various shades of blue and punctuated with lighter accents, adds depth and enhances the dramatic presence of the horse and rider. The overall composition evokes a sense of motion and energy, encapsulating a fleeting moment with expressive, vibrant, and evocative style.
