Portrait of the Artist's Sister, Suzanne Dufy 1904

Raoul Dufy rendered this portrait of his sister, Suzanne, with striking colors and bold brushstrokes. The recurring motif of the stripe is especially prominent. Consider how the striped pattern, visible on Suzanne's shawl, echoes the undulating waves of the sea, and how this recalls the same motif present in classical sculptures, such as the draped figures of antiquity. These lines, appearing across time, are not merely decorative. Think of the striped robes of ancient priests, connecting the image with themes of ritual, protection and spirituality. Even in contemporary fashion, we find that stripes carry psychological weight, sometimes conveying a sense of authority, other times implying rebellion. Dufy's repeated stripes evoke a subtle yet powerful emotional undercurrent of rhythm and continuity, engaging viewers on a deeper, almost subconscious level. This motif is more than a visual element. It is a cultural carrier—a testament to the way symbols evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, reminding us of the cyclical dance between past and present.