Louis Toffoli (1907–1999), *Les mariachi*, 1986

Color lithograph, framed, measuring 50 x 60 cm; original artwork—(Epreuve D’Artiste—artist’s proof)—signed in pencil by the artist. Edition of 125 copies plus 10 artist’s proofs.
References: Catalogue Raisonné No. 310, p. 205.
Louis TOFFOLI—a French painter of Italian descent—was born in Trieste, Italy. He began his studies at the Trieste Naval School in 1924, but personal problems forced him to abandon his studies. He worked as a blacksmith, later as a tailor, and attended evening classes at the Trieste Academy of Fine Arts. At the 1928 Trieste Biennale, he presented two paintings in the Constructivist style. Fascist propagandists took a keen interest in his unique vision.
In 1930, Louis Toffoli fled Mussolini’s regime and emigrated to Paris. He lived on Rue Myrha in the heart of the Goutte d’Or neighborhood, without documents or money. Sylvia, his future wife, soon joined him. Denis Kalman, a well-known tailor on the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, hired him, and his talent for creating patterns was soon recognized. He obtained a craftsman’s license and taught the art of patternmaking at the clothing workers’ union hall. Numerous commissions allowed him to settle in Alfortville in 1934 and later in Charenton-le-Pont. He worked as a freelancer for Parisian fashion houses, while also taking drawing classes and trying his hand at poster design. Day after day, he patiently refined his style, refusing to work in advertising.
Beginning in 1935, he exhibited at leading Parisian salons: the Salon d’Automne, the Salon des Indépendants, and the Salon des Peintres Témoins de leur Temps. In 1947, Luigi Toffoli became a French citizen and took the name Louis Toffoli. In the 1950s, he learned lithography and devoted his artistic craft entirely to this noble technique. Louis Toffoli’s artistic expression is characterized by a keen observation of human poses, picturesque scenes, or man-made landscapes. His distinctive painting style is recognized worldwide. He has exhibited in many countries, and his graphic works are included in numerous museum collections.
The Toffoli Museum opened in 1995 in Charenton-le-Pont, where he lived. His works have been part of the permanent collection of the Estades Gallery since 1990. They have been exhibited at four locations of the Estades Gallery: in Paris, Lyon, Toulon, and Baden-Baden.