Claus Bertermann - CERVANTES (XL-format)

ARTIST: Claus Bertermann
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.bertermann.art

Claus Bertermann is an internationally established contemporary artist whose market profile is backed by international market authority and exceptional secondary market results.

Known for his powerful, large-format abstract works, Bertermann has consistently commanded high-tier prices at the world’s most prestigious auction houses. His top realized prices include €18.900 at C. h. r. i. s. t. i. e´s Paris (Retro Zen), €15.240 at S. o. t. h. e. b. y´s Cologne (F5TP#CB), and €15.120 at C. h. r. i. s. t. i. e´s Paris (Whispershade). With additional successful sales at V. a. n. H. a. m, A. r. t. c. u. r. i. a. l, T. a. j. a. n, and D. o. r. o. t. h. e. u. m, Bertermann’s work is a proven asset for serious collectors worldwide.

From Architectural Abstraction to the Human Form

With a Master’s degree in Architecture (TU Munich), Bertermann originally gained global recognition for his "architectural strata" technique—layering and scraping oil paint to build spatial depth. Today, he brings this same structural intensity to his figurative practice. His figurative works are not mere depictions but explorations of presence and transience, blending his architectural precision with a raw, Neo-Expressionist energy.

A Global Footprint

With more than 1,000 large format works in private and institutional collections across the globe—including a monumental triptych at his alma mater, the Technical University of Munich—Bertermann continues to bridge the gap between rigorous structure and intuitive freedom. His debut on Catawiki offers a rare opportunity to acquire original figurative works from an artist with a solidified international auction record.

"CERVANTES"

Original Painting by Claus Bertermann
Acrylic and oil crayon on canvas
130 × 110 cm (51.2 × 43.3 in)
2026

What makes this piece unique

"CERVANTES" is a vibrant, psychological reimagining of Spain’s greatest literary icon. Since no confirmed contemporary portrait of Miguel de Cervantes exists, the artist approaches the subject not as a historical record, but as a translation of spirit—capturing the "Prince of Wits" through a lens of modern irony and restless intellect.

In this work, Claus Bertermann employs his signature physical painting process. Moving away from traditional brushes, he applies the acrylic ground with a roller, utilizing broad arm movements that prioritize momentum over fine control. This creates a raw, energetic surface of neon greens, electric blues, and fiery magentas that mirror the multifaceted life of a man who was a soldier, a captive, and a visionary.

The iconic silhouette of the author—characterized by the hand-to-chin "thinker" pose—is drawn directly with oil crayon. These lines sit independently from the painted ground, cutting through the neon fields rather than conforming to them. This creates a deliberate tension between the coarse, roller-painted background and the decisive, intuitive drawing of the figure.

Unlike his abstract series, Bertermann builds this image forward: a thick, vibrant application of acrylic followed by the assertive, gestural contours of the oil crayon, allowing the character to emerge from a chaotic, colorful history.

Why it is worth the price

This is a large-scale, one-of-a-kind portrait that bridges the gap between 17th-century heritage and 21st-century expressionism. The work stands as a significant example of Bertermann’s modern figurative style, where the physical engagement of the artist is visible in every roller mark and crayon stroke.

The piece represents a mature exploration of cultural identity and historical mystery. By reimagining a "missing" face through such a bold, contemporary palette, Bertermann creates a unique signature that is both a tribute to Spanish literature and a standout piece of modern art.

For collectors, "CERVANTES" offers a compelling dialogue between history and immediacy. It is a visually explosive work that balances the weight of literary legacy with a raw, almost street-art-inspired energy, ensuring it remains a focal point in any sophisticated collection.

Visual description & condition

The composition centers on a pensive figure, rendered through bold, multi-colored oil crayon lines. A vibrant palette of neon green, yellow, and blue dominates the face and torso, contrasted by deep reds and purples in the background. The anatomy is gestural and expressive, focusing on the intensity of the gaze and the contemplative posture.

The surface is tactile and rough, showing the distinct textures of the paint roller. The oil crayon lines maintain a waxy, sits-on-top presence, preserved in their original, vibrant state.

The work is unframed and not stretched.

Condition is excellent. All surface irregularities, drips, and rough textures are intentional and integral to the artist’s raw, physical process.

Background / artistic context

Claus Bertermann works within the realm of contemporary expressive figurative painting, often focusing on "states of being." In "CERVANTES," the figure serves as a carrier for the internal conditions of creativity and resilience.

By separating the painterly gesture (acrylic with roller) from the linear drawing (oil crayon), Bertermann explores the boundary between the public myth of a person and their private, internal landscape. This portrait of Cervantes is a distilled emotional presence, shaped through intuitive movement and a radical use of color.

Practical details for buyers:

- Original, one-of-a-kind artwork
- Acrylic and oil crayon on canvas
- Dimensions: 130 × 110 cm (51.2 × 43.3 in)
- Signed by the artist on the front and back side
- Certificate of authenticity included
- Shipped rolled (not framed or stretched)
- Professional packaging with premium shipping companies like UPS.

Technical Shipping Note:
The canvas includes an additional continuous white border of approximately 10 cm (approx. 4 inches) on all sides beyond the painted surface. This margin allows the artwork to be professionally restretched on museum-quality stretcher bars up to 5 cm (approx. 2 inches) in depth, resulting in a clean, gallery-style presentation.

Please note that the artwork is sold unframed and without stretcher bars. The painting is shipped rolled for safe international transport. The artwork is signed on both front and reverse, with title, year, and the artist’s full name inscribed on the back.