René Mels (1909-1977) - Composition abstraite chromatique
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Original watercolour on paper by René Mels (1909-1977), Composition abstraite chromatique, dating to the late 1960s, 54.5 × 42 cm with original passe-partout, signed in the bottom right, in very good condition.
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Description from the seller
Artist: René Mels (1909–1977)
School: Belgium
Chromatic composition
Dating: Late 1960s
Technique: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 54.5 × 42 cm (with original passe-partout)
Signature: Signed at the bottom right by René Mels.
Unframed: Sold unframed, with its original passe-partout.
Provenance: Private collection of the artist's family.
Condition of preservation
Overall condition: Very good condition
Remarks: Paper well preserved, with no notable alterations. The pigments display a beautiful depth and good stability. The antique passe-partout is consistent with the period of creation.
Description of the work
Chromatic composition develops through a dense juxtaposition of colorful strokes applied with broad gestures. The pictorial surface is animated by a constant play of superpositions, alternating saturated areas and more translucent passages, which gives the overall impression of movement and depth.
The palette, dominated by deep blues, violets, ochres, and nuanced greens, is punctuated by lighter tones that visually structure the composition. The color, used as an autonomous element, establishes a subtle balance between expressive intensity and formal coherence, without explicit figurative reference.
Artistic context
In the late 1960s, René Mels shifted towards a more assertive gestural and chromatic abstraction. The structure became more intuitive, allowing color and material to play a central role in organizing the pictorial space.
Works on paper from this period testify to a great freedom of experimentation and occupy an essential place in his journey, revealing a constant dialogue between spontaneity and mastery.
Artist Biography
Born in Herent-lez-Louvain in 1909, René Mels trained at the academies of Louvain and Brussels, then at La Cambre. A recognized figure of post-war Belgian abstraction, he was associated with the Jeune Peinture belge and the Art Abstrait group. His work gradually evolved towards an inner, sensitive, and constructed abstraction, developed on both canvas and paper. He passed away in 1977 in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
This watercolor, titled Chromatic Composition and signed in full, is a convincing example of René Mels' work from the late 1960s. Its chromatic richness, controlled gesture, and excellent condition make it a prized piece for collectors and enthusiasts of Belgian abstraction from the 20th century.
Artist: René Mels (1909–1977)
School: Belgium
Chromatic composition
Dating: Late 1960s
Technique: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 54.5 × 42 cm (with original passe-partout)
Signature: Signed at the bottom right by René Mels.
Unframed: Sold unframed, with its original passe-partout.
Provenance: Private collection of the artist's family.
Condition of preservation
Overall condition: Very good condition
Remarks: Paper well preserved, with no notable alterations. The pigments display a beautiful depth and good stability. The antique passe-partout is consistent with the period of creation.
Description of the work
Chromatic composition develops through a dense juxtaposition of colorful strokes applied with broad gestures. The pictorial surface is animated by a constant play of superpositions, alternating saturated areas and more translucent passages, which gives the overall impression of movement and depth.
The palette, dominated by deep blues, violets, ochres, and nuanced greens, is punctuated by lighter tones that visually structure the composition. The color, used as an autonomous element, establishes a subtle balance between expressive intensity and formal coherence, without explicit figurative reference.
Artistic context
In the late 1960s, René Mels shifted towards a more assertive gestural and chromatic abstraction. The structure became more intuitive, allowing color and material to play a central role in organizing the pictorial space.
Works on paper from this period testify to a great freedom of experimentation and occupy an essential place in his journey, revealing a constant dialogue between spontaneity and mastery.
Artist Biography
Born in Herent-lez-Louvain in 1909, René Mels trained at the academies of Louvain and Brussels, then at La Cambre. A recognized figure of post-war Belgian abstraction, he was associated with the Jeune Peinture belge and the Art Abstrait group. His work gradually evolved towards an inner, sensitive, and constructed abstraction, developed on both canvas and paper. He passed away in 1977 in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
This watercolor, titled Chromatic Composition and signed in full, is a convincing example of René Mels' work from the late 1960s. Its chromatic richness, controlled gesture, and excellent condition make it a prized piece for collectors and enthusiasts of Belgian abstraction from the 20th century.
Details
Artist
René Mels (1909-1977)
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Composition abstraite chromatique
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Signed
Country of Origin
Belgium
Condition
Good condition
Height
42 cm
Width
54.5 cm
Depiction/Theme
Nature
Style
Abstract
Period
1960-1970
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