René Mels (1909-1977) - Composition abstraite gestuelle
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An original pastel work by René Mels (1909-1977), Composition abstraite gestuelle, dated 11 May 1977, 50 × 40 cm, signed by the artist, provenance: from the artist's studio in Belgium.
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Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977) – Large gestural abstract watercolor dated May 11, 1977 – Signed – From the artist's studio
Details
• Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977)
• Title: Gestural abstract composition with floral motifs
• Era: May 11, 1977 (the artist's final year)
• Technique: Watercolor and ink on paper
• Dimensions: 50 × 40 cm (with modern black mat of high quality)
• Framing: Sold unframed, delivered with its modern black mat
• Condition: Very good overall. Minute tear on the reverse, perfectly concealed by the mat. Vivid, fresh colors, stable paper. (see detailed photos)
• Signature: Signed “R. Mels” and dated “11.5.77” at the bottom right
• Provenance: Artist's studio (stamp on the reverse)
Description of the work
Here is a large and vibrant watercolor by René Mels, realized on May 11, 1977, only a few months before his death in December of the same year. This late work, with great gestural freedom, reveals the artist in full maturity and creative energy.
On quality paper, Mels unfolds a fluid and luminous chromatic symphony: transparent washes of ultramarine blue, violet, pink, bright yellow, orange, and soft green layer and blend with great sensitivity.
Over this colored background, the artist traces a dense and extremely lively network of black ink lines: dynamic hatches, expressive doodles, loops and circles, but also more figurative vegetal and floral motifs – delicate umbels, leaves, stems – that emerge from the abstract composition as if nature is rediscovered at the heart of the color explosion.
The contrast between areas of pure chromatic abstraction and these organic graphic elements creates a remarkable lyrical tension, joyful, spontaneous, and deeply expressive. It displays the mastery of line and material inherited from his significant printmaking work, here translated into the fluidity and transparency of watercolor.
Dated precisely May 11, 1977, this piece is a rare and moving testimony of René Mels's final creative period.
Provenance: Directly from his studio (stamp on the reverse), it is offered with its high-quality modern black mat.
An authentic, powerful, and luminous work, perfect for collectors of Belgian abstract art of the 20th century and fans of René Mels’s work.
Biography
René Mels, born René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a comprehensive Belgian artist: painter, draftsman, etcher, sculptor, ceramicist, and stained glass master.
Trained at the University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Brussels Academy (1930-1933) and at La Cambre (1937-1938), he began with an expressionist figurative style before evolving toward abstraction from 1947. He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, stayed in Paris (Belgian state scholarship, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17. In 1952, he joined the group Art Abstrait and co-founded the printmakers group Cap d’Encre in 1963.
A master of engraving (123 works gifted to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he translates this material sensitivity into drawings, pastels, and watercolors. His abstract compositions from the 1960s-1970s, often structured around the golden ratio or around a great gestural freedom, rank among his most accomplished works.
His works are in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels’ Prints Cabinet, Leuven Museum, 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) – Large gestural abstract watercolor dated May 11, 1977 – Signed – From the artist's studio
Details
• Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977)
• Title: Gestural abstract composition with floral motifs
• Era: May 11, 1977 (the artist's final year)
• Technique: Watercolor and ink on paper
• Dimensions: 50 × 40 cm (with modern black mat of high quality)
• Framing: Sold unframed, delivered with its modern black mat
• Condition: Very good overall. Minute tear on the reverse, perfectly concealed by the mat. Vivid, fresh colors, stable paper. (see detailed photos)
• Signature: Signed “R. Mels” and dated “11.5.77” at the bottom right
• Provenance: Artist's studio (stamp on the reverse)
Description of the work
Here is a large and vibrant watercolor by René Mels, realized on May 11, 1977, only a few months before his death in December of the same year. This late work, with great gestural freedom, reveals the artist in full maturity and creative energy.
On quality paper, Mels unfolds a fluid and luminous chromatic symphony: transparent washes of ultramarine blue, violet, pink, bright yellow, orange, and soft green layer and blend with great sensitivity.
Over this colored background, the artist traces a dense and extremely lively network of black ink lines: dynamic hatches, expressive doodles, loops and circles, but also more figurative vegetal and floral motifs – delicate umbels, leaves, stems – that emerge from the abstract composition as if nature is rediscovered at the heart of the color explosion.
The contrast between areas of pure chromatic abstraction and these organic graphic elements creates a remarkable lyrical tension, joyful, spontaneous, and deeply expressive. It displays the mastery of line and material inherited from his significant printmaking work, here translated into the fluidity and transparency of watercolor.
Dated precisely May 11, 1977, this piece is a rare and moving testimony of René Mels's final creative period.
Provenance: Directly from his studio (stamp on the reverse), it is offered with its high-quality modern black mat.
An authentic, powerful, and luminous work, perfect for collectors of Belgian abstract art of the 20th century and fans of René Mels’s work.
Biography
René Mels, born René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a comprehensive Belgian artist: painter, draftsman, etcher, sculptor, ceramicist, and stained glass master.
Trained at the University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Brussels Academy (1930-1933) and at La Cambre (1937-1938), he began with an expressionist figurative style before evolving toward abstraction from 1947. He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, stayed in Paris (Belgian state scholarship, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter's Atelier 17. In 1952, he joined the group Art Abstrait and co-founded the printmakers group Cap d’Encre in 1963.
A master of engraving (123 works gifted to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he translates this material sensitivity into drawings, pastels, and watercolors. His abstract compositions from the 1960s-1970s, often structured around the golden ratio or around a great gestural freedom, rank among his most accomplished works.
His works are in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels’ Prints Cabinet, Leuven Museum, 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 gestuelle
Technique
Pastel
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1977
Condition
Good condition
Height
50 cm
Width
40 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1970-1980
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