Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) - Figure assise
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Oil on canvas by Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024), Figure assise, circa 1970, 95 × 76.5 cm, original dark wooden frame, Cobra-inspired abstract-figurative work, signed MARCUS on the lower right, provenance from the artist's studio.
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Description from the seller
Seated figure – Large Cobra composition | Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024), circa 1970 – Signed oil on canvas
• Artist: Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) Belgian School
• Title: Seated figure – Cobra composition
• Technique: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 95 × 76.5 cm (canvas)
• Signature: “MARCUS” at lower right on the canvas
• On the back: Artist’s stamp “Marcus de Vestele – Atelier de l’artiste” on the stretcher + annotation “92/76”
• Frame: Original dark wooden frame with signs of wear and scratches (preserved as is)
• Condition: Good overall. Slight dent toward the center of the canvas (visible in photos), easily mitigated by a light re-stretch. To note.
• Provenance: Artist’s studio – Unique piece
• Period: Circa 1970
Description of the work
Powerful oil on canvas by Marcus de Vestele, circa 1970.
This large abstract-figurative composition features a seated figure with a stylized, intense face, reminiscent of a ritual mask or a totemic presence.
The figure, rendered in a warm, vibrant palette of orange-reds, pinks and greys, appears to hold a dark object at mouth level. The empty, expressive gaze, broad planes of color and expansive gestures give the work a primitive force and an almost sculptural presence.
The abstract background, animated by dynamic brushstrokes, stripes and drips, creates an energy-charged space. The gesture is free, spontaneous and full of vitality, perfectly in the spirit of the Cobra movement to which the artist is deeply inspired (Karel Appel, Asger Jorn, Pierre Alechinsky, Corneille…).
The work combines the sculptural rigor inherent to Marcus de Vestele (sculptor in Carrara and Bardiglio marble) with the lyrical explosion of color and line characteristic of Cobra. A rare large-format piece, directly from the artist’s studio.
Biography
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) was a Belgian artist primarily known as a marble sculptor (Carrara, Bardiglio…), but he also developed a powerful painterly output, long concealed, today highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Deeply influenced by the Cobra movement, he drew inspiration from it to create abstract-figurative compositions full of spontaneity, vivid colors and expressive force.
His paintings from the 1970s are characterized by a free gesture, organic forms and a communicative joy of painting.
Works directly from the studio combine sculptural rigor with the lyrical explosion of Cobra color and line. They occupy a singular place in Belgian art of the second half of the 20th century.
Unique piece – Direct provenance: Artist’s studio
Artist’s stamp on the back of the stretcher.
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 TranslateSeated figure – Large Cobra composition | Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024), circa 1970 – Signed oil on canvas
• Artist: Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) Belgian School
• Title: Seated figure – Cobra composition
• Technique: Oil on canvas
• Dimensions: 95 × 76.5 cm (canvas)
• Signature: “MARCUS” at lower right on the canvas
• On the back: Artist’s stamp “Marcus de Vestele – Atelier de l’artiste” on the stretcher + annotation “92/76”
• Frame: Original dark wooden frame with signs of wear and scratches (preserved as is)
• Condition: Good overall. Slight dent toward the center of the canvas (visible in photos), easily mitigated by a light re-stretch. To note.
• Provenance: Artist’s studio – Unique piece
• Period: Circa 1970
Description of the work
Powerful oil on canvas by Marcus de Vestele, circa 1970.
This large abstract-figurative composition features a seated figure with a stylized, intense face, reminiscent of a ritual mask or a totemic presence.
The figure, rendered in a warm, vibrant palette of orange-reds, pinks and greys, appears to hold a dark object at mouth level. The empty, expressive gaze, broad planes of color and expansive gestures give the work a primitive force and an almost sculptural presence.
The abstract background, animated by dynamic brushstrokes, stripes and drips, creates an energy-charged space. The gesture is free, spontaneous and full of vitality, perfectly in the spirit of the Cobra movement to which the artist is deeply inspired (Karel Appel, Asger Jorn, Pierre Alechinsky, Corneille…).
The work combines the sculptural rigor inherent to Marcus de Vestele (sculptor in Carrara and Bardiglio marble) with the lyrical explosion of color and line characteristic of Cobra. A rare large-format piece, directly from the artist’s studio.
Biography
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) was a Belgian artist primarily known as a marble sculptor (Carrara, Bardiglio…), but he also developed a powerful painterly output, long concealed, today highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Deeply influenced by the Cobra movement, he drew inspiration from it to create abstract-figurative compositions full of spontaneity, vivid colors and expressive force.
His paintings from the 1970s are characterized by a free gesture, organic forms and a communicative joy of painting.
Works directly from the studio combine sculptural rigor with the lyrical explosion of Cobra color and line. They occupy a singular place in Belgian art of the second half of the 20th century.
Unique piece – Direct provenance: Artist’s studio
Artist’s stamp on the back of the stretcher.
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
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024)
Sold with frame
Yes
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Figure assise
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1970
Condition
Good condition
Height
95 cm
Width
76.5 cm
Depiction/theme
Day scene
Style
Cobra
Period
1960-1970
Sold by
