'Les Boxeurs' by Pierre Ambrogiani (c. 1960s)

Pierre Ambrogiani (1907 - 1985) was born in Ajaccio, Corsica. He grew up in the port of Marseille, where at the age of 12 he became a telegraph boy. It was not until 1937 that Ambrogiani decided to devote his life to art, like his brothers Pascal and Toussaint (who worked as Toussaint d'Orcino) and sister Helene. Pierre was an expressionist known for his wild, colourful palette of vibrant still-lifes and Provencal landscapes. He received the Prix International de la Biennale de Menton in 1951, the Grand Prix des Peintres Temoins de leur Temps in 1967, and the Prix du Gemail in 1968. In 1962, he was commissioned to decorate the Immaculate Conception of Marseille church with frescoes and stained glass windows. A major retrospective of his art was held at the Musee de la Vieille Charite de Marseille in 1973, with an important catalogue. 

An somewhat unusual subject amongst his body of work, this ink and watercolour on paper depicts two boxers being separated by a referee. Ambrogiani's depiction of their facial expressions and posture say it all: one boxer is triumphant, the other clearly having just 'thrown in the towel'. The colours are muted grey, blue and beige in a thoughtful and artistic treatment of a violent sport. Signed by the artist in the lower right hand corner: 'Pierre Ambrogiani'. 

A prolific artist, Ambrogiani created more than 1500 paintings, seven sculptures, 1200 drawings and watercolors and 300 prints over his lifetime. His works are exhibited and collected worldwide and have sold widely at major auction houses over the decades.

This painting is in good vintage condition commensurate with its age and painting medium. Looking closely at the paper one may notice some blemishes which do not detract from the overall work. Original frame with new mount and glass.

Dimensions with frame:

H  41 cm

W  47.5 cm

Dimensions without frame:

H  23 cm

W  30.5 cm