Karel Appel (1921-2006) - Compositie van 3 figuren






Master’s in culture and arts innovation, with a decade in 20th-21st century Italian art.
€11,000 | ||
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€10,500 | ||
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Karel Appel, Compositie van 3 figuren, hand-signed, mixed media, original edition, 1982, Cobra style, 111 x 80 cm, Netherlands, sold with frame, sold by Galerie.
Description from the seller
This mixed media work by Karel Appel (1921–2006), from 1980, shows an expressive composition with three figures. The work is signed in the bottom left. Appel painted with bold strokes over previously drawn lines, which are still subtly visible in the underlying layer. This gives the piece a lively depth and reveals his spontaneous yet deliberate working method.
Karel Appel is known for his striking pronouncements, some of which were taken too literally, such as his famous remark: “I just mess things up.” It is now clear that he did not work as impulsively as this statement might suggest. Although he emphasized intuition and emotion over theory, his work testifies to a strong artistic vision and a deliberate handling of form, color, and material.
With his pronounced personality, his bold use of materials, and his rejection of intellectual art theories, Appel had a major influence on the Dutch Cobra movement. Yet his work was not always understood or appreciated at first. Disappointed by the narrow cultural climate in the Netherlands, Appel decided to move to Paris in 1950, where he could further develop as an artist and gain international recognition.
Viewing is of course possible. In addition, we have our own in-house framing workshop, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary year. We also work with restorers from the professional association: 'Restauratoren Nederland'. If you would like to make use of this, we would of course be happy to hear from you.
Seller's Story
This mixed media work by Karel Appel (1921–2006), from 1980, shows an expressive composition with three figures. The work is signed in the bottom left. Appel painted with bold strokes over previously drawn lines, which are still subtly visible in the underlying layer. This gives the piece a lively depth and reveals his spontaneous yet deliberate working method.
Karel Appel is known for his striking pronouncements, some of which were taken too literally, such as his famous remark: “I just mess things up.” It is now clear that he did not work as impulsively as this statement might suggest. Although he emphasized intuition and emotion over theory, his work testifies to a strong artistic vision and a deliberate handling of form, color, and material.
With his pronounced personality, his bold use of materials, and his rejection of intellectual art theories, Appel had a major influence on the Dutch Cobra movement. Yet his work was not always understood or appreciated at first. Disappointed by the narrow cultural climate in the Netherlands, Appel decided to move to Paris in 1950, where he could further develop as an artist and gain international recognition.
Viewing is of course possible. In addition, we have our own in-house framing workshop, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary year. We also work with restorers from the professional association: 'Restauratoren Nederland'. If you would like to make use of this, we would of course be happy to hear from you.
