René Mels (1909-1977) - Grand bouquet de fleurs
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René Mels, Grand bouquet de fleurs, oil on canvas, 80 × 70 cm, created in 1940, original edition, signed on the lower right and on the back, in good condition, Belgian origin, sold by owner or dealer, unframed.
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Description from the seller
René Mels (1909–1977) Belgian School
Title: Grand bouquet de fleurs
Technique: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 80 × 70 cm
Signature: Signed bottom right and on the back, dated 1940
Date: 1940
State: Generally good condition; wear on the edges (a frame would conceal it perfectly).
Framing: Sold unframed
Provenance: Private collection
Description of the work
This large oil on canvas from 1940 depicts an imposing bouquet of flowers, treated with the figurative sensibility characteristic of René Mels at that period. The artist unfolds a rich and warm palette, where roses, ochres, greens and browns interlace in a generous and vibrant material.
The flowers, arranged with a free yet controlled liberty, seem to bloom beyond the vase in a background worked with soft and energetic brushstrokes.
Through the fluidity of the gesture and the tonal accuracy, Mels manages to capture both the freshness and the density of the subject, while already asserting a very personal pictorial handwriting.
This large-format work bears witness to the painter's mastery in the treatment of still life and heralds the freer explorations that will mark his postwar production.
Artistic context
At the turn of the 1940s, René Mels was still exploring expressive figuration, influenced by the European modernist tradition.
His still lifes and bouquets from this period are distinguished by an approach that is both structured and intuitive, where the pictorial material becomes a vector of emotion and presence.
This large canvas fully fits into this transitional phase, where the artist seeks to go beyond mere representation to reach a deeper and more pictorial truth.
Biography of René Mels (1909–1977)
Born in Herent-lez-Louvain, René Mels studied at the Leuven Academy, then at the Brussels Academy, before perfecting his craft at La Cambre.
A member of the Jeune Peinture belge and the Art Abstrait group, he actively participated in the modernization of the postwar art scene.
His oeuvre, initially expressionist and figurative, evolved toward a luminous and structured abstraction, where line, color and light dialogue with rare intensity.
René Mels died in 1977 in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, leaving behind a body of work of great coherence, marked by rigor and poetry.
A grand bouquet of remarkable breadth and sensitivity, where René Mels combines generosity of matter, chromatic richness and silent intensity — a precious testament to his figurative period of 1940.
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) Belgian School
Title: Grand bouquet de fleurs
Technique: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 80 × 70 cm
Signature: Signed bottom right and on the back, dated 1940
Date: 1940
State: Generally good condition; wear on the edges (a frame would conceal it perfectly).
Framing: Sold unframed
Provenance: Private collection
Description of the work
This large oil on canvas from 1940 depicts an imposing bouquet of flowers, treated with the figurative sensibility characteristic of René Mels at that period. The artist unfolds a rich and warm palette, where roses, ochres, greens and browns interlace in a generous and vibrant material.
The flowers, arranged with a free yet controlled liberty, seem to bloom beyond the vase in a background worked with soft and energetic brushstrokes.
Through the fluidity of the gesture and the tonal accuracy, Mels manages to capture both the freshness and the density of the subject, while already asserting a very personal pictorial handwriting.
This large-format work bears witness to the painter's mastery in the treatment of still life and heralds the freer explorations that will mark his postwar production.
Artistic context
At the turn of the 1940s, René Mels was still exploring expressive figuration, influenced by the European modernist tradition.
His still lifes and bouquets from this period are distinguished by an approach that is both structured and intuitive, where the pictorial material becomes a vector of emotion and presence.
This large canvas fully fits into this transitional phase, where the artist seeks to go beyond mere representation to reach a deeper and more pictorial truth.
Biography of René Mels (1909–1977)
Born in Herent-lez-Louvain, René Mels studied at the Leuven Academy, then at the Brussels Academy, before perfecting his craft at La Cambre.
A member of the Jeune Peinture belge and the Art Abstrait group, he actively participated in the modernization of the postwar art scene.
His oeuvre, initially expressionist and figurative, evolved toward a luminous and structured abstraction, where line, color and light dialogue with rare intensity.
René Mels died in 1977 in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, leaving behind a body of work of great coherence, marked by rigor and poetry.
A grand bouquet of remarkable breadth and sensitivity, where René Mels combines generosity of matter, chromatic richness and silent intensity — a precious testament to his figurative period of 1940.
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
Grand bouquet de fleurs
Technique
Oil painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1940
Condition
Good condition
Height
80 cm
Width
70 cm
Style
Abstract Expressionism
Period
1940-1950
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