'From Now to Antiquity' by Max Papart (circa 1950s)

'From Now to Antiquity', oil on canvas, by Max Papart (circa 1950s). A delightfully curious painting very similar in subject and style to another he called 'the Artist's Workshop (1957)'. Perhaps this is another view of his atelier? There is a classical statue of a female figure. To the (viewer's) left of the statue appear the brushes and accoutrements of the artist. Further along may be the canvas on its easel. Although I have speculated about the painting's subject, Papart always believed that each painting has its own meaning and needed no interpretation from him. His paintings, in his own words, 'force the viewer to think, and it is for the viewer to respond to the art based on their own personal experiences (Rogallery.com). The artwork is in good overall condition having recently been cleaned by an art restoration specialist. It is also newly framed. The artist signed the work in the lower right hand. 

About the Artist: Max Papart (1911-1994), was born in Marseille, France and later moved to Paris where he learned the techniques of classic engraving. One of the most intriguing intellectual concepts which Papart achieved is a "window" through which the viewer senses the past or future, or even another time or place. It has been said that Papart does not "paint," he "composes." His compositions come together in a symphony of line, shape and colour. Papart always believed that each painting has its own meaning and needed no interpretation from him. His paintings, in his own words, 'force the viewer to think, and it is for the viewer to respond to the art based on his own personal experiences (Rogallery.com). Papart's original art pieces such as this one are auctioned at the world's most prominent houses and are eminently collectible. You will find his works often sold side-by-side with Picassos, Chagals and Braques.  

Dimensions with frame:  

H 77.5 cm / 30.5"

W 94 cm / 37"

Dimensions without frame:

H 65 cm / 25.6"

W 81 cm / 31.9"