'The Power of Words' Berlin School (circa 1950s-70s)

'The Power of Words', oil on board, Berlin School, (circa 1950s-1970s). A thoroughly modern depiction clearly in the style of Italian Futurist, Fortunato Depero (1892-1960). Futurism corresponded to Cubism sharing several elements including faceted or segmented shapes. Cubism however, was generally static and more subdued whereas Futurism was bright and dynamic embracing technology, mechanisation, power and energy. In this work, a joyous, powerful female figure with art deco features and stylised pencils as limbs celebrates the supremacy of the written word. The artist has imagined a book in the depiction which doubles for her standing surface. Clearly an homage to the phrase 'The pen is mightier than the sword' which was penned by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 indicating that communication, particularly the written word, or in some interpretations, administrative power or advocacy of an independent press, is a more effective tool than direct violence. 

'The Power of Words', combines style, symbolism and symmetry all at once. The painting is overall in fair-to-good vintage condition showing minor blemishing on the painting surface commensurate with age. It is newly and beautifully framed to complement the artwork. Please carefully view the many photos accompanying this listing to best appreciate its condition and aesthetic qualities. Upon request, a video of the work may be provided. 

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. 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 pieces from this body of work. This clearly speaks to the widespread assessment of the quality and interest of the art.

Today, these 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 40.0 cm / 15.7"

W 37.0 cm / 14.6"

Dimensions without frame:

H 29.5 cm / 11.6"

W 27.0 cm / 10.6"