René Mels (1909-1977) - Belle composition abstraite, 1960
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Selected by Silvia Possanza
Held senior specialist role at Finarte for 12 years, specialising in modern prints.
Estimate € 300 - € 400
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René Mels (1909–1977), a watercolour on paper titled Belle composition abstraite, 1960, in an original edition and signed by hand, measuring 54.5 × 42 cm including the original passe-partout and dating from around 1960; in good condition and sold by owner or dealer, unframed.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977) - Abstract Composition
Watercolor on paper, circa 1960
Monogram “Rm” in the bottom right
Overall dimensions (with original passe-partout): 54.5 × 42 cm
Sold unframed
Condition: Overall good. The original passe-partout shows some defects.
Beautiful abstract composition by René Mels, dated circa 1960.
On a background of very fluid blue, gray and white washes, a bright red form emerges at the center of the composition.
Treated with flat washes and broad gestures, this organic element contrasts strongly with the vaporous and cold atmosphere surrounding it.
Dense touches of ultramarine blue, almost black, come to rhythm the upper right corner and anchor the whole.
The work sits fully within Mels’s lyrical abstract period. The freedom of gesture, the transparency of the washes, and the dialogue between warmth and coolness of the colors make it a particularly sensitive and expressive piece, where abstraction retains a strong emotional presence.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Academies of Leuven and Brussels, then at La Cambre.
After an expressionist beginning influenced by Permeke, he moves toward abstraction as early as 1947. An active member of Young Belgian Painting (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels), he joined the Abstract Art group in 1952 and co-founded Cap d’encre in 1963.
His work is characterized by a concern for construction, flexibility of writing, and expressive chromaticism. His watercolors, engravings and paintings are 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) - Abstract Composition
Watercolor on paper, circa 1960
Monogram “Rm” in the bottom right
Overall dimensions (with original passe-partout): 54.5 × 42 cm
Sold unframed
Condition: Overall good. The original passe-partout shows some defects.
Beautiful abstract composition by René Mels, dated circa 1960.
On a background of very fluid blue, gray and white washes, a bright red form emerges at the center of the composition.
Treated with flat washes and broad gestures, this organic element contrasts strongly with the vaporous and cold atmosphere surrounding it.
Dense touches of ultramarine blue, almost black, come to rhythm the upper right corner and anchor the whole.
The work sits fully within Mels’s lyrical abstract period. The freedom of gesture, the transparency of the washes, and the dialogue between warmth and coolness of the colors make it a particularly sensitive and expressive piece, where abstraction retains a strong emotional presence.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Academies of Leuven and Brussels, then at La Cambre.
After an expressionist beginning influenced by Permeke, he moves toward abstraction as early as 1947. An active member of Young Belgian Painting (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels), he joined the Abstract Art group in 1952 and co-founded Cap d’encre in 1963.
His work is characterized by a concern for construction, flexibility of writing, and expressive chromaticism. His watercolors, engravings and paintings are 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 with frame
No
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Belle composition abstraite, 1960
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1960
Condition
Good condition
Height
42 cm
Width
54.5 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1960-1970
Sold by
