Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) - Composition Cobra – Figures en confrontation, c.1975
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Watercolour on paper by Marcus de Vestele (1941–2024), titled Composition Cobra – Figures in confrontation, circa 1975, 51 × 36.8 cm, original edition, signed, Belgian origin, unframed, in very good condition.
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Description from the seller
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024)
Composition Cobra – Figures in confrontation, c.1975
Ink and wash on paper
Signature: atelier stamp on the back “Marcus de Vestele – Atelier de l’artiste”
Dimensions: 51 × 36.8 cm
Sold unframed
Condition: Very good overall.
Provenance: Artist’s studio of Marcus de Vestele.
Description
Beautiful and powerful Cobra figurative composition by Marcus de Vestele, dating from circa 1975.
In a fragmented and taut space, several anthropomorphic silhouettes confront one another. On the right, a large black frame encloses two major figures: one, greyer and more translucent, with fluid and almost spectral features; the other, larger and white, crowned with a dense black mass, with a piercing gaze.
To the left, a darker, more compact group stands out against a bright yellow background, heightening the chromatic and emotional contrast.
The gesture is raw, immediate, with great expressive force. The broad washes (blue, yellow, grey) and the nerve-filled black outlines create a constant tension between figuration and abstraction.
The work perfectly illustrates the Cobra spirit: spontaneity of line, gestural vitality, and direct emotional charge. A piece particularly successful in its density and energy.
Biography
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) was a major Belgian artist, best known primarily as a marble sculptor (notably in Carrara and with Bardiglio marble).
Parallel to his sculptural practice, he developed throughout his life a substantial pictorial production, long kept confidential and now 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 washes combine the discipline of the sculptor with the lyrical, gestural explosion characteristic of Cobra. Directly from the studio, this body of paper works constitutes an essential and unique facet of his oeuvre, occupying a special 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)
Composition Cobra – Figures in confrontation, c.1975
Ink and wash on paper
Signature: atelier stamp on the back “Marcus de Vestele – Atelier de l’artiste”
Dimensions: 51 × 36.8 cm
Sold unframed
Condition: Very good overall.
Provenance: Artist’s studio of Marcus de Vestele.
Description
Beautiful and powerful Cobra figurative composition by Marcus de Vestele, dating from circa 1975.
In a fragmented and taut space, several anthropomorphic silhouettes confront one another. On the right, a large black frame encloses two major figures: one, greyer and more translucent, with fluid and almost spectral features; the other, larger and white, crowned with a dense black mass, with a piercing gaze.
To the left, a darker, more compact group stands out against a bright yellow background, heightening the chromatic and emotional contrast.
The gesture is raw, immediate, with great expressive force. The broad washes (blue, yellow, grey) and the nerve-filled black outlines create a constant tension between figuration and abstraction.
The work perfectly illustrates the Cobra spirit: spontaneity of line, gestural vitality, and direct emotional charge. A piece particularly successful in its density and energy.
Biography
Marcus de Vestele (1941-2024) was a major Belgian artist, best known primarily as a marble sculptor (notably in Carrara and with Bardiglio marble).
Parallel to his sculptural practice, he developed throughout his life a substantial pictorial production, long kept confidential and now 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 washes combine the discipline of the sculptor with the lyrical, gestural explosion characteristic of Cobra. Directly from the studio, this body of paper works constitutes an essential and unique facet of his oeuvre, occupying a special 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 – Figures en confrontation, c.1975
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1975
Condition
Good condition
Height
36.8 cm
Width
51 cm
Depiction/theme
Portrait
Style
Cobra
Period
1970-1980
Sold by
