René Mels (1909-1977) - Composition abstraite lyrique - 1950
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René Mels (1909-1977) watercolour on paper titled Composition abstraite lyrique, circa 1950, signed, 59 × 45 cm, original edition, Belgium, in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977) – Lyrical Abstract Composition – Watercolor on paper – Circa 1950 – Signed
Details of the work
• Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977)
• Title: Lyrical Abstract Composition
• Era: Circa 1950
• Technique: Watercolor on paper
• Dimensions: 59 × 45 cm (with period mat)
• Framing: Sold with a high-quality period mat (the work is sold unframed)
• Condition: Very good overall condition of the watercolor – a few small imperfections and signs of normal use on the period mat (see detailed photos)
• Signature: Signed “R. Mels” at the bottom right
Description of the work
Here is a beautiful vibrant and expressive watercolor by René Mels, dating from the 1950s.
This period marks the artist’s full flowering in his pursuit of lyrical and colorful abstraction.
On paper, Mels develops a free and fluid gesturality characteristic of watercolor: broad transparent washes, controlled runs, spots and energetic strokes intermingling with dynamism. Deep, intense blues dialog with bright yellows, ochres, carmine reds, and touches of black, creating a dynamic and lively composition. The work breathes spontaneity while maintaining genuine chromatic and structural harmony.
This piece testifies to the transition and the great mastery of Mels between figuration and abstraction in the 1950s.
The material vibrates, light flows through the transparencies typical of the watercolor technique. A fresh, lively work representative of the post-war Belgian abstraction spirit.
Ideal for lovers of Belgian modern art, abstract watercolor, or to enrich a collection of works on paper.
Biography
René Mels, born René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a complete Belgian artist: painter, draftsman, etcher, sculptor, ceramicist, and stained-glass master.
Trained at the Catholic University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Brussels Academy (1930-1933) and La Cambre (1937-1938), he began with an expressionist figurative style before evolving toward abstraction from 1947. He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, spent time in Paris (Belgian State scholarship, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17. In 1952, he joined the Art Abstrait group and co-founded in 1963 the printmakers’ group Cap d’Encre.
A master of printmaking (123 works donated to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he transfers this sensibility of material into his drawings and watercolors. His compositions from the 1950s-1960s, often structured and full of chromatic energy, are among his most appreciated works.
His works are held in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels Print Room, Liège Museum of Leuven, Gaspar Museum (Arlon), Bibliothèque nationale de Paris, etc.
Seller's Story
About SR Fine Art
With nearly 28 years of experience in the art market, I am passionate about rediscovering artists’ studios and bringing their works to a wide audience on Catawiki.
I specialize in Belgian and European modern and contemporary art. My flagship collection is the studio archive of Robert Detheux (nearly 1,500 works on paper). I also offer surrealist drawings, beautiful abstract paintings from the 1950s, magnificent nude photographs by Michel Pinel, contemporary paintings, Cobra compositions, and works by Marcus de Vestele, Gundi Falk, René Mels, Eugène Eechaut and many others.
From intimate drawings to large formats, there is something for every taste and every budget. The vast majority of my auctions start at 1 € with no reserve price, giving everyone the chance to acquire unique pieces.
Every shipment is prepared with the utmost care using professional museum-quality packaging to ensure perfect condition upon arrival.
Join my growing community of satisfied clients and follow my new auctions to discover rare works from these exceptional studios.
Thank you for your trust and happy bidding!
SR Fine Art
Translated by Google TranslateRené Mels (1909-1977) – Lyrical Abstract Composition – Watercolor on paper – Circa 1950 – Signed
Details of the work
• Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977)
• Title: Lyrical Abstract Composition
• Era: Circa 1950
• Technique: Watercolor on paper
• Dimensions: 59 × 45 cm (with period mat)
• Framing: Sold with a high-quality period mat (the work is sold unframed)
• Condition: Very good overall condition of the watercolor – a few small imperfections and signs of normal use on the period mat (see detailed photos)
• Signature: Signed “R. Mels” at the bottom right
Description of the work
Here is a beautiful vibrant and expressive watercolor by René Mels, dating from the 1950s.
This period marks the artist’s full flowering in his pursuit of lyrical and colorful abstraction.
On paper, Mels develops a free and fluid gesturality characteristic of watercolor: broad transparent washes, controlled runs, spots and energetic strokes intermingling with dynamism. Deep, intense blues dialog with bright yellows, ochres, carmine reds, and touches of black, creating a dynamic and lively composition. The work breathes spontaneity while maintaining genuine chromatic and structural harmony.
This piece testifies to the transition and the great mastery of Mels between figuration and abstraction in the 1950s.
The material vibrates, light flows through the transparencies typical of the watercolor technique. A fresh, lively work representative of the post-war Belgian abstraction spirit.
Ideal for lovers of Belgian modern art, abstract watercolor, or to enrich a collection of works on paper.
Biography
René Mels, born René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a complete Belgian artist: painter, draftsman, etcher, sculptor, ceramicist, and stained-glass master.
Trained at the Catholic University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Brussels Academy (1930-1933) and La Cambre (1937-1938), he began with an expressionist figurative style before evolving toward abstraction from 1947. He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, spent time in Paris (Belgian State scholarship, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17. In 1952, he joined the Art Abstrait group and co-founded in 1963 the printmakers’ group Cap d’Encre.
A master of printmaking (123 works donated to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he transfers this sensibility of material into his drawings and watercolors. His compositions from the 1950s-1960s, often structured and full of chromatic energy, are among his most appreciated works.
His works are held in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels Print Room, Liège Museum of Leuven, Gaspar Museum (Arlon), Bibliothèque nationale de Paris, etc.
Seller's Story
About SR Fine Art
With nearly 28 years of experience in the art market, I am passionate about rediscovering artists’ studios and bringing their works to a wide audience on Catawiki.
I specialize in Belgian and European modern and contemporary art. My flagship collection is the studio archive of Robert Detheux (nearly 1,500 works on paper). I also offer surrealist drawings, beautiful abstract paintings from the 1950s, magnificent nude photographs by Michel Pinel, contemporary paintings, Cobra compositions, and works by Marcus de Vestele, Gundi Falk, René Mels, Eugène Eechaut and many others.
From intimate drawings to large formats, there is something for every taste and every budget. The vast majority of my auctions start at 1 € with no reserve price, giving everyone the chance to acquire unique pieces.
Every shipment is prepared with the utmost care using professional museum-quality packaging to ensure perfect condition upon arrival.
Join my growing community of satisfied clients and follow my new auctions to discover rare works from these exceptional studios.
Thank you for your trust and happy bidding!
SR Fine Art
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Artist
René Mels (1909-1977)
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Composition abstraite lyrique - 1950
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1950
Condition
Good condition
Height
45 cm
Width
59 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1960-1970
Sold by
