René Mels (1909-1977) - Paysage abstrait
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Selected by Giulia Couzzi
Master’s in culture and arts innovation, with a decade in 20th-21st century Italian art.
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René Mels, Paysage abstrait, watercolour on paper, 60 × 51 cm (with original mat), signed by hand, dated 1950, original edition, good condition, Belgium.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977)
Abstract Landscape
Watercolor on paper, early 1950s
Signature: Signed 'RMels' at the bottom right, with pencil note 'Seynet' below.
Overall dimensions (with original mat):
60 × 51 cm
Sold with original mat
The mat has stains and scratches; it will need to be replaced.
Condition: Good overall condition of the watercolor. Colors fresh and contrasts intact. The original mat is worn (stains and scratches).
Description:
Beautiful watercolor by René Mels dating from the early 1950s.
The work presents a semi-abstract landscape with lyrical accents: orange rooftops, boat silhouettes, green and yellow fields, blue-gray horizon. The handling is free and gestural, with expressive brushstrokes and fluid washes. The forms remain recognizable while already opening toward abstraction.
This transitional period of Mels, just after his move to abstraction (late 1940s), is characterized by great chromatic freshness and spontaneous writing. The balance between allusive figuration and lyrical abstraction makes it a particularly appealing piece and representative of his early abstract work.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Leuven and Brussels Academies, then at La Cambre. After an expressionist start influenced by Permeke, he evolves from 1947 toward abstraction. Active member of the Jeune Peinture Belge (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palace of Fine Arts in 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 fluidity of writing and expressive chromaticism. His watercolors, engravings and paintings can be found in numerous public Belgian and international 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 Landscape
Watercolor on paper, early 1950s
Signature: Signed 'RMels' at the bottom right, with pencil note 'Seynet' below.
Overall dimensions (with original mat):
60 × 51 cm
Sold with original mat
The mat has stains and scratches; it will need to be replaced.
Condition: Good overall condition of the watercolor. Colors fresh and contrasts intact. The original mat is worn (stains and scratches).
Description:
Beautiful watercolor by René Mels dating from the early 1950s.
The work presents a semi-abstract landscape with lyrical accents: orange rooftops, boat silhouettes, green and yellow fields, blue-gray horizon. The handling is free and gestural, with expressive brushstrokes and fluid washes. The forms remain recognizable while already opening toward abstraction.
This transitional period of Mels, just after his move to abstraction (late 1940s), is characterized by great chromatic freshness and spontaneous writing. The balance between allusive figuration and lyrical abstraction makes it a particularly appealing piece and representative of his early abstract work.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Leuven and Brussels Academies, then at La Cambre. After an expressionist start influenced by Permeke, he evolves from 1947 toward abstraction. Active member of the Jeune Peinture Belge (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palace of Fine Arts in 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 fluidity of writing and expressive chromaticism. His watercolors, engravings and paintings can be found in numerous public Belgian and international 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
Paysage abstrait
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1950
Condition
Good condition
Height
51 cm
Width
60 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1950-1960
Sold by
