Jean Daprai – The story of a painter of light

Jean Daprai, French-Italian artist and ‘Painter of Light’, was born on 22 September 1929 in Rovereto, Italy. From an early age, he showed a natural talent for art and pursued extensive artistic training. Jean Daprai joins the prestigious Beaux-Arts de Milan, the School of Sacred Art and the Cimabue Academy, where he trained in the techniques and symbolism of sacred art.

A life journey marked by resilience and commitment

In 1949, he left Italy for France and joined the Foreign Legion. This intense experience profoundly marked his view of humanity and influenced his future works, which were imbued with spirituality and a quest for inner peace. After five years of service, Daprai settled in Marseille, where he began to build his artistic career.

In 1956, he decided to settle in Paris, a city he would never leave. Paris became the centre of his life and artistic development, and it was here that he began to deepen his research into painting. Inspired by the history of Rome, Christian symbolism and the values of light and peace, he became a leading artist in the field of sacred art and spirituality.

An artist devoted to sacred and Christian art

Jean Daprai is renowned for his unique style, in which light plays a central role. He was a member of the Paris Salon d'Automne and the Salon des Beaux-Arts, He has exhibited in prestigious venues, including the Louvre, and has received numerous awards throughout his career. He is notably the winner of the Prix International du Gemmail, an award honouring artists who explore the sacred and luminous dimension of art.

Among his many honours, Jean Daprai was awarded the Gold Medal of the Leonardo da Vinci Grand Prix, the Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris, and the Goya Award in Spain. His works are collected worldwide, from Europe to Saudi Arabia and the United States, and are appreciated for their spiritual symbolism and artistic depth.

The influence of Salvador Dali on Jean Daprai

Jean Daprai and Salvador Dalí, two prominent figures of surrealism, share a complex and fascinating relationship in the art world. Their meeting at the Hôtel Meurisse is a symbolic moment in this connection, where Dali, with his fame and eccentric character, crosses paths with Daprai, an artist in search of beauty and harmony. Although their styles differed, with Daprai seeking calm and colourful poetry, while Dali ventured into more disturbing and provocative visions, they shared a common foundation: the exploration of the unconscious and the mysteries of life. Dali seems to have had a subtle influence on Daprai, although the latter remains true to his own sensibility. Their artistic interaction is an example of how surrealism, both mystical and irrational, continues to nourish and inspire creators throughout time, each in their own way.

The art of light and symbolism

Jean Daprai, nicknamed "Painter of Light", has always been fascinated by the power of light as a symbol of guidance, peace and faith. His works embody this quest for spiritual clarity and are imbued with Christian symbolism, combining the grandeur of the Roman Empire with the emergence of Christianity. Through his paintings, Daprai seeks to spread universal values of peace, love and light.

His iconic collection, entitled "Peace, Love, Light", illustrates this mission. The works in this collection, available as reproductions at RomaMillenium, are invitations to meditation and reflection, ideal for any interior seeking to bring serenity and spirituality.

A Spiritual Legacy to Share

Today, Jean Daprai's works continue to inspire enthusiasts of sacred art, lovers of Christian symbolism, and anyone seeking to bring light into their lives. RomaMillenium is proud to share the legacy of this visionary artist by offering reproductions of his most symbolic creations.

Each sacred art reproduction by Jean Daprai is a gateway to a spiritual universe, where the beauty of art meets the depth of faith. Discover the story, passion, and light of Jean Daprai through the works selected by RomaMillenium, and let yourself be inspired by an artist who, throughout his life, sought to embody divine light in every creation.