René Mels (1909-1977) - Composition abstraite gestuelle...

René Mels (1909-1977) Gestural Abstract Composition Pastel on gray paper. Circa 1960. Signed • Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) • Title: Gestural Abstract Composition • Era: Circa 1960 • Technique: Pastel on gray paper • Dimensions: 53 × 45 cm (with original passe-partout) • Framing: Sold with its high-quality original passe-partout (not matted under glass) • Condition: Excellent overall condition of the work. Small period imperfections on the original passe-partout (see photo). • Signature: Signed « R. Mels » in the lower right, with monogram « M » below Description of the work Beautiful gestural abstract composition by René Mels, a prominent figure of Belgian abstraction in the immediate postwar period, dating to the 1960s. On gray-toned paper that enhances the colors, the artist develops an energetic and lyrical writing. Broad yellow-green masses, treated in dynamic hatchings, traverse the upper left part like a winged or vegetal form. They intertwine with intense blues, deep greens, graphite grays and orange-red accents that animate the lower part of the composition. The gesture is both free and controlled: overlays, scratches and touches of thick pastel create a rich, almost sculptural matter. Here we recognize Mels's incisive sensibility: the line remains nervous, the planes cross, light travels along the reserves of the gray paper. The work exudes a strong impression of movement and contained energy, typical of his entirely gestural period. A representative and decorative piece, ideal for lovers of Belgian lyrical abstraction. Biography René Mels, real name René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a Belgian artist in full: painter, draftsman, etcher-engraver, sculptor, ceramist and master glazier. Trained at the Catholic University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Académie de Bruxelles (1930-1933) and at La Cambre (1937-1938), he began with an expressive figurative style before evolving into abstraction from 1947. He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, stayed in Paris (Belgian state grant, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17. In 1952 he joined the group Art Abstrait and co-founded in 1963 the group of engravers Cap d’Encre. Undisputed master of graphics (123 works offered to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he brings this sensibility of matter into his drawings and pastels. His abstract compositions of the 1960s are among his most successful works. His works are in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels Archive of Prints, Leuven Museum, Gaspar Museum (Arlon), BnF (Bibliothèque nationale de Paris), etc.

Estimación:€300

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