'Portrait of a Modern Man' by Chartier (circa 1960s)

'Portrait of a Modern Man', oil on board, by unidentified artist, Chartier (circa 1960s). Perhaps inspired by Pablo Picasso's self-portrait of 1907, the artist incorporates the elements of cubism to this portrait. In developing his vision of cubism, Picasso himself painted in a style which was strongly influenced by African sculpture, particularly traditional African masks. One detects that influence in this work by Chartier. The almond shaped head, dark eyes and elongated, linear nose have the hallmarks of African masks. The use of black on the right side of the artwork has the effect of projecting the subject forward into the light giving it depth and mystery. The work is in good vintage condition, has been newly framed with linen slip and is signed in the lower right hand corner. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video may be provided. 

About the Artist: Our gallery has access to a cache of paintings from the 1940s to the 1970s attributed to an art collective whose traces start with Germany. Berlin to start, but also Dresden, along the Saale, Weimar, Brera in Milan and Brussels. From the post-war period and onwards, they hosted young people who experimented with different painting techniques with exceptionally creative results. Over the years, dedicated art-seekers managed to unearth a treasure trove of these works from forgotten repositories. Once examined, the paintings were presented first to the Italian art market and then beyond, to art lovers in Europe and the United States.

Quietly, but surely, word of mouth scattered the news of the existence of these found artworks: cubist, expressionist, futurist and avant-garde. Trying to label these pieces doesn’t do them justice truly, but to call them studies, sketches, or simply, creations, would be more accurate. It is interesting to note the artworks were very often unsigned, but often as not, initialled or monogrammed. Using known masterpieces as reference, their mentors suggested a particular style with which to experiment. Regrettably, this makes it impossible to pinpoint who amongst these bright creatives ‘made it’ in the world of art. But it really doesn’t matter. Each piece we've selected is extraordinary and therein lies the interest in these works. Notwithstanding that, several galleries have acquired and are now selling these works. This speaks to the widespread assessment of the quality and interest of the art.

Today, the artists’ creations hang on the walls of art lovers in London, Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Miami and Los Angeles. Galleries scramble to acquire the works having recognised the outstanding potential in the international art markets for these pieces with such fascinating origins.

Dimensions with frame:

H 42.0 cm / 16.5"

W 33.0 cm / 13.0"

Dimensions without frame:

H 28.0 cm / 11.0"

W 19.5 cm / 7.7"