'Portrait of a Man Playing Guitar', Berlin School (circa 1960s)

'Portrait of a Man Playing Guitar', oil on board, Berlin School (circa 1960s). Clearly inspired by Georges Braque's (1882-1963) and Juan Gris' (1887-1927) works, this painting is similar to experimental representations by both Braque as well as Picasso which challenged the orthodoxy of illusionistic space in painting. The artist, E.D. Rohe, (signed in lower left hand) has broken down the image of this figure with guitar into its geometrical components. This enchanting depiction is accomplished with sensuously coloured tones framed by lines and curves, skilfully executed. It is an intriguing work. The painting was recently reconditioned using a process developed by art restoration professionals yet still presents some very slight fading due to age. It is newly framed with an elegant, French-style linen slip. In good overall condition. As the painting is oriented vertically, it would fit a lovely niche in your home or office. Upon request a video will be provided. Regrettably, research revealed no information concerning the artist, E.D. Rohe. 

About the Art: 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. Often 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. With that in mind, several galleries have acquired and are now selling these works. This clearly 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 67.5 cm / 26.6"

W 34.5 cm / 13.6"

Dimensions without frame:

H 54 cm / 21.3"

W 21 cm / 8.3"