'Les Boxeurs II - Combat de Boxe' by Pierre Ambrogiani (c. 1940s)
'Les Boxeurs II - Combat de Boxe' (c. 1940s), ink and watercolour on paper, by Pierre Ambrogiani (1907 - 1985). One boxer is down for the count having just collapsed to the ring's canvas after being dealt a solid blow from his opponent. The other, standing in an offensive pose, observes his fallen prey and listens to the count of the referee. The domineering boxer has a grudging admiration for his fallen opponent who has given it all he has. A celebratory gesture would be out of place. A dramatic scene for sure in the trademark style of an Ambrogiani watercolour. The execution of the work is sensational. The use of bare outlines in ink along with subtle colouring and shading contrasts with the drama that has unfolded. Green triumphs over red in this work. Neutral white separates the pugilists. This is a thoughtful and artistic treatment of a scene in a violent sport. This watercolour is in good vintage condition commensurate with its age and painting medium. Looking closely at the paper one may notice some very minor blemishes which do not detract from the overall work. New frame, mount and recently reglazed. Signed by the artist in the lower left of the work: 'Ambrogiani'. Certificate of Authenticity provided from the 'Comité Pierre Ambrogiani'.
About the Artist: 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 Provençal 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 created for the occasion. 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.
Dimensions with frame:
H 41.5 cm
W 49.7 cm
Dimensions without frame:
H 26 cm
W 34.5 cm