Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) - Composition Cobra - 1975
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Selected by Silvia Possanza
Held senior specialist role at Finarte for 12 years, specialising in modern prints.
Estimate € 350 - € 450
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Marcus de Vestele (1941–2024) – Composition Cobra - 1975, aquarelle on paper, circa 1975, 49.5 × 37.2 cm, unframed, original edition, Cobra style, depicts two opposing figures in a tense space and bears the atelier stamp on the back with the artist’s studio provenance from Belgium.
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Description from the seller
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024)
Figurative Cobra composition
Ink and wash on paper, circa 1975
Signature: studio stamp on the back “Marcus de Vestele – Atelier de l’artiste”
Dimensions: 49.5 × 37.2 cm
Sold unframed
Condition: Very good overall condition.
Provenance: Artist’s studio of Marcus de Vestele.
Beautiful figurative Cobra composition by Marcus de Vestele, dated circa 1975.
Two anthropomorphic silhouettes face off or confront each other in a taut space.
On the left, a more synthetic and elegant figure, rendered in gray wash with precise black outlines. On the right, a much more aggressive and chaotic form, built from a tangle of nervous black lines, scratches, and broad ink washes.
A barely sketched rectangular frame encloses this second figure, reinforcing the contrast between the two presences.
The gesture is raw, immediate, and of great expressive force. The opposition between the more contained figure and the graphic explosion on the right perfectly illustrates the Cobra spirit: spontaneity, vitality of line, and direct emotional tension.
A work particularly successful in its density and energy.
Biography
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) was a major Belgian artist, primarily recognized as a sculptor working in marble (notably in Carrara and with Bardiglio marble).
Alongside his sculptural practice, he developed throughout his life an important photographic production, long kept confidential and today highly sought after by collectors.
Strongly influenced by the Cobra movement (Karel Appel, Asger Jorn, Pierre Alechinsky, Corneille, Constant…), Marcus de Vestele drew inspiration from it to create abstract-figurative compositions of great expressive power.
His works on paper from the 1970s are characterized by spontaneous line, free gesturality, and a constant tension between figuration and abstraction.
His drawings and wash drawings combine the discipline of the sculptor with the lyrical and gestural explosion characteristic of Cobra.
Directly from the atelier, this paper production constitutes an essential and singular facet of his oeuvre, occupying a distinct place in Belgian art of the second half of the 20th century.
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 TranslateMarcus de Vestele (1941-2024)
Figurative Cobra composition
Ink and wash on paper, circa 1975
Signature: studio stamp on the back “Marcus de Vestele – Atelier de l’artiste”
Dimensions: 49.5 × 37.2 cm
Sold unframed
Condition: Very good overall condition.
Provenance: Artist’s studio of Marcus de Vestele.
Beautiful figurative Cobra composition by Marcus de Vestele, dated circa 1975.
Two anthropomorphic silhouettes face off or confront each other in a taut space.
On the left, a more synthetic and elegant figure, rendered in gray wash with precise black outlines. On the right, a much more aggressive and chaotic form, built from a tangle of nervous black lines, scratches, and broad ink washes.
A barely sketched rectangular frame encloses this second figure, reinforcing the contrast between the two presences.
The gesture is raw, immediate, and of great expressive force. The opposition between the more contained figure and the graphic explosion on the right perfectly illustrates the Cobra spirit: spontaneity, vitality of line, and direct emotional tension.
A work particularly successful in its density and energy.
Biography
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) was a major Belgian artist, primarily recognized as a sculptor working in marble (notably in Carrara and with Bardiglio marble).
Alongside his sculptural practice, he developed throughout his life an important photographic production, long kept confidential and today highly sought after by collectors.
Strongly influenced by the Cobra movement (Karel Appel, Asger Jorn, Pierre Alechinsky, Corneille, Constant…), Marcus de Vestele drew inspiration from it to create abstract-figurative compositions of great expressive power.
His works on paper from the 1970s are characterized by spontaneous line, free gesturality, and a constant tension between figuration and abstraction.
His drawings and wash drawings combine the discipline of the sculptor with the lyrical and gestural explosion characteristic of Cobra.
Directly from the atelier, this paper production constitutes an essential and singular facet of his oeuvre, occupying a distinct place in Belgian art of the second half of the 20th century.
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
No
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Title of artwork
Composition Cobra - 1975
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1975
Condition
Good condition
Height
49.5 cm
Width
37.2 cm
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Cobra
Period
1970-1980
Sold by
