René Mels (1909-1977) - Grande figure assise
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Selected by Giulia Couzzi
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René Mels (1909-1977) – Grande figure assise, a 1950 original ink drawing on paper, 58.5 × 44 cm, signed “R. Mels”, in good condition and unframed, Belgium origin, sold by owner or dealer.
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Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977) – Seated Figure
Large ink drawing – Circa 1950
Artist: René Mels (pseudonym of René Meulemans, 1909-1977) – Belgium
Technique: India ink on paper (Ingres watermark visible)
Dimensions: 58.5 × 44 cm
Signature: Signed “R. Mels” at bottom right
Presentation: Sold unframed
Condition: Generally good. Small crease in one corner and a few small stains.
Important and highly expressive work on paper by René Mels.
This large ink drawing is characterized by an extremely dense and virtuoso hatchwork. The seated figure, treated in a style that is both expressionist and almost abstract, emerges from a complex network of crossing lines that structure the volume, shadows and space.
The artist plays on the tension between figuration and pure graphic construction, a hallmark of his work around 1950, a transitional period toward abstraction.
The intensity of the line, mastery of black and white, and the generous format make it a particularly strong piece in Mels’ drawn oeuvre.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Academies of Leuven and Brussels, then at La Cambre. After an expressionist start influenced by Permeke, he shifted in 1947 toward abstraction. An active member of Jeune Peinture Belge (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels), he joined the group Art abstrait in 1952 and co-founded Cap d’encre in 1963.
His work is characterized by a concern for construction, a flexible écriture, and an expressive chromaticism. His engravings and paintings are represented in numerous Belgian and international public collections.
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) – Seated Figure
Large ink drawing – Circa 1950
Artist: René Mels (pseudonym of René Meulemans, 1909-1977) – Belgium
Technique: India ink on paper (Ingres watermark visible)
Dimensions: 58.5 × 44 cm
Signature: Signed “R. Mels” at bottom right
Presentation: Sold unframed
Condition: Generally good. Small crease in one corner and a few small stains.
Important and highly expressive work on paper by René Mels.
This large ink drawing is characterized by an extremely dense and virtuoso hatchwork. The seated figure, treated in a style that is both expressionist and almost abstract, emerges from a complex network of crossing lines that structure the volume, shadows and space.
The artist plays on the tension between figuration and pure graphic construction, a hallmark of his work around 1950, a transitional period toward abstraction.
The intensity of the line, mastery of black and white, and the generous format make it a particularly strong piece in Mels’ drawn oeuvre.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Academies of Leuven and Brussels, then at La Cambre. After an expressionist start influenced by Permeke, he shifted in 1947 toward abstraction. An active member of Jeune Peinture Belge (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts, Brussels), he joined the group Art abstrait in 1952 and co-founded Cap d’encre in 1963.
His work is characterized by a concern for construction, a flexible écriture, and an expressive chromaticism. His engravings and paintings are represented in numerous Belgian and international public collections.
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 by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Grande figure assise
Technique
Ink
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1950
Condition
Good condition
Height
58.5 cm
Width
44 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1950-1960
Sold by
