René Mels (1909-1977) - Composition abstraite gestuelle au pastel
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René Mels (1909–1977) – Composition abstraite gestuelle au pastel, pastel on grey paper, circa 1960, 53 × 45 cm, signed by hand, original edition, Belgium.
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Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977) Gestural Abstract Composition
Pastel on gray paper Circa 1960 Signed
• Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977)
• Title: Gestural Abstract Composition
• Era: Circa 1960
• Technique: Pastel on gray paper
• Dimensions: 53 × 45 cm (with the original passe-partout)
• Framing: Sold with its original high-quality passe-partout (not framed under glass)
• Condition: Very good overall condition of the work. A few small period imperfections on the original passe-partout (see photos).
• Signature: Signed “R. Mels” at the lower right, with monogram “M” below
Description of the work
Beautiful gestural abstract composition by René Mels, a major figure of postwar Belgian abstraction, datable to the 1960s.
On gray-toned paper that enhances the colors, the artist deploys an energetic and lyrical handwriting. Broad blocks of yellow-green, treated with dynamic hatching, sweep the upper left part like a winged or vegetal form.
They intertwine with intense blues, deep greens, graphite grays, and orange-red accents that animate the bottom of the composition. The gesture is both free and controlled: overlaps, scratches, and touches of fat pastel create a rich, almost sculptural material.
This work reveals Mels’s engraving sensibility: the line remains nervous, planes cross, light moves through the reserves of the gray paper. The piece exudes a strong impression of movement and contained energy, typical of his fully gestural period.
A representative and decorative piece, ideal for lovers of Belgian lyrical abstraction.
Biography
René Mels, born René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a Belgian all-around artist: painter, draftsman, aquafortist engraver, sculptor, ceramist, and stained-glass master.
Trained at the Catholic University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Brussels Academy (1930–1933) and La Cambre (1937–1938), he began with an expressionist figurative style before evolving toward abstraction from 1947.
He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, stayed in Paris (Belgian state scholarship, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17. In 1952, he joined the Art Abstrait group and co-founded the engravers’ group Cap d’Encre in 1963.
A master of engraving (123 works offered to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he transposes this material sensitivity into his drawings and pastels.
His abstract compositions of the 1960s are among his most accomplished works.
His works are included in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Bibliothèque nationale de Paris, Brussels Print Cabinet, Leuven Museum, Gaspar Museum (Arlon), etc.
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) Gestural Abstract Composition
Pastel on gray paper Circa 1960 Signed
• Artist: René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977)
• Title: Gestural Abstract Composition
• Era: Circa 1960
• Technique: Pastel on gray paper
• Dimensions: 53 × 45 cm (with the original passe-partout)
• Framing: Sold with its original high-quality passe-partout (not framed under glass)
• Condition: Very good overall condition of the work. A few small period imperfections on the original passe-partout (see photos).
• Signature: Signed “R. Mels” at the lower right, with monogram “M” below
Description of the work
Beautiful gestural abstract composition by René Mels, a major figure of postwar Belgian abstraction, datable to the 1960s.
On gray-toned paper that enhances the colors, the artist deploys an energetic and lyrical handwriting. Broad blocks of yellow-green, treated with dynamic hatching, sweep the upper left part like a winged or vegetal form.
They intertwine with intense blues, deep greens, graphite grays, and orange-red accents that animate the bottom of the composition. The gesture is both free and controlled: overlaps, scratches, and touches of fat pastel create a rich, almost sculptural material.
This work reveals Mels’s engraving sensibility: the line remains nervous, planes cross, light moves through the reserves of the gray paper. The piece exudes a strong impression of movement and contained energy, typical of his fully gestural period.
A representative and decorative piece, ideal for lovers of Belgian lyrical abstraction.
Biography
René Mels, born René Meulemans (Herent, April 14, 1909 – Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, December 15, 1977), is a Belgian all-around artist: painter, draftsman, aquafortist engraver, sculptor, ceramist, and stained-glass master.
Trained at the Catholic University of Leuven (under Alfred Delaunois), then at the Brussels Academy (1930–1933) and La Cambre (1937–1938), he began with an expressionist figurative style before evolving toward abstraction from 1947.
He joined the group Jeune Peinture Belge, stayed in Paris (Belgian state scholarship, 1950) and worked at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17. In 1952, he joined the Art Abstrait group and co-founded the engravers’ group Cap d’Encre in 1963.
A master of engraving (123 works offered to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium), he transposes this material sensitivity into his drawings and pastels.
His abstract compositions of the 1960s are among his most accomplished works.
His works are included in numerous public and private collections: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Bibliothèque nationale de Paris, Brussels Print Cabinet, Leuven Museum, Gaspar Museum (Arlon), etc.
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
Composition abstraite gestuelle au pastel
Technique
Crayon, Pastel
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1960
Condition
Good condition
Height
45 cm
Width
53 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1960-1970
Sold by
