The city of Perpignan made a significant cultural acquisition by purchasing a historic painting by renowned French artist Raoul Dufy for 120,900 euros (approximately $131,000) at a Drouot auction house sale in Paris on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The artwork, titled "L'atelier de la rue Jeanne-d'Arc" (The Studio on Jeanne d'Arc Street), will soon be displayed at the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum.
"This is historic! It's tremendous news," exclaimed Pascale Picard, director and curator of the Hyacinthe Rigaud Museum, who described herself as being "on cloud nine" following the successful acquisition. The oil painting, measuring 37.5 x 95.5 cm, represents a major addition to the museum's collection and holds particular significance for Perpignan's cultural heritage.
Picard emphasized the importance of the purchase, stating, "It's incredible to have been able to buy this work that is historic for the heritage of Perpignan. This is immense news." She praised the municipal authorities for recognizing the opportunity and acting decisively. "It's wonderful to have bought this work at a completely fair price. It was an opportunity not to be missed. The city knew how to seize it. We are extremely happy at the museum," she added.
The painting holds special significance as it depicts Raoul Dufy in his actual studio located on Jeanne d'Arc Street in Perpignan, making it a unique piece of local history. This marks the first Dufy painting to become part of the city's permanent collection. "There was no Raoul Dufy painting in our collections. This is the first, and not the least important one," Picard confirmed.
The artwork has a remarkable provenance, having once belonged to Dr. Pierre Nicolau, a prominent collector and supporter of Dufy. "He did enormous things for the painter. He treated him medically, supported him, and welcomed him. He was a very great collector of Raoul Dufy," Picard explained. Unfortunately, the doctor's collection was dispersed in 1969, when the city did not position itself to acquire works. "At the time, the city did not step forward. That's why we only had state deposits to present Raoul Dufy's work. So it was really important to have such a symbolic painting that belongs to the city," she noted.
The historical connection between Dufy and Dr. Nicolau dates back to 1941 when the artist, born in Le Havre in 1877, had taken refuge in Céret at the beginning of World War II. Dr. Nicolau treated Dufy's polyarthritis, a condition that had been handicapping the painter for several years, at his private clinic. The doctor's support went beyond medical care, as he even housed the artist within his own family for six months, demonstrating the deep personal relationship between the two men.
Museum officials are currently finalizing administrative formalities for the acquisition. The painting is expected to return to Perpignan in early 2026, where it will be displayed as quickly as possible. The Rigaud Museum, which is also preparing to welcome a major work by Salvador Dalí, continues to expand its impressive collection.
This year has been particularly successful for acquisitions at the Perpignan museum. In addition to the Dufy painting, the institution has also acquired a portrait of Étienne Terrus by Maximilien Luce and a new painting by Hyacinthe Rigaud himself. "It's an Adoration of the Shepherds. It's a superb work that illustrates Rigaud's art in the grand genre. It's very probably his reception piece for the Royal Academy of Painting, where he wanted to be recognized in the grand genre," Picard concluded, highlighting the museum's commitment to building a comprehensive collection that reflects both local and national artistic heritage.
