'Standing Abstract Figure' from European School (circa 1960s - 80s)

'Standing Abstract Figure', oil on board, from the European School (circa 1960s - 80s). A colourful, abstract figure inspired by artists from the Modern movements. This work depicts a colourful, standing figure gazing skyward as if searching for answers to life's questions. The form is curvaceous, vibrantly coloured with a subdued backdrop with angles suggesting the corner of a room. As a point of reference for this type of artwork, since before the 19th century, artists were most often commissioned to make artwork by wealthy patrons or institutions like the church. Much of this art depicted religious or mythological scenes that told stories intended to instruct the viewer. During the 19th century, many artists started to make art based in their own, personal experiences and about topics that they chose. With the publication of psychologist Sigmund Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams (1899) and the popularisation of the idea of a subconscious mind, many artists began exploring dream symbolism and personal iconography as avenues for the depiction of their subjective experiences. Challenging the notion that art must realistically depict the world, some artists experimented with the expressive use of colour, non-traditional  materials and new techniques and mediums (ref: MoMA NYC). This painting is in very good vintage condition and has been newly framed with a linen slip. It is signed but the precise name is illegible. Please carefully view the accompanying photos to best appreciate the look and condition of the painting. Upon request a video of the piece will be provided.

About the Artist: Our gallery has access to a cache of paintings from the 1940s to the 1970s, perhaps a few from the 80s as well, 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 (not applicable to this painting), 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 was extraordinary and therein lies the interest in these works. Notwithstanding that, several galleries have acquired and are now selling this cache of artworks. 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 57 cm / 22.4"

W 47 cm / 18.5"

Dimensions without frame:

H 39 cm / 15.4"

W 29 cm / 11.4"