René Mels (1909-1977) - Belle composition abstraite, 1960
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René Mels (1909-1977), original 1960 watercolour titled Belle composition abstraite, 54.5 × 42 cm on paper with its original passe-partout, bottom right monogrammed RM, in good condition.
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Description from the seller
René Mels (1909-1977)
Abstract composition
Watercolor on paper, circa 1960
Signature: Monogrammed “RM” at the bottom right.
Total dimensions (including mat):
54.5 × 42 cm
Sold with its original mat
Sold unframed
Condition: Good overall condition of the watercolor. Fresh colors, preserved transparencies and contrasts. The paper retains its texture and luminosity. The original mat shows imperfections and stains, noted.
A beautiful watercolor by René Mels, executed around 1960, during a period of full maturity of his lyrical abstraction.
The composition centers on a warm, earthy palette: golden yellows, ochres, and browns predominate, crossed by dark purplish masses and lighter, almost milky washes.
Denser, almost calligraphic strokes structure the space without freezing it. The broad flat areas superimpose on fluid drips and sperm-like, more nerve-like gestures. Organic shapes and deep stains dialog with luminous reserves, allusively evoking a landscape or an autumnal atmosphere, without ever leaving the realm of abstraction.
This piece well illustrates Mels’ exploration in the 1960s: spontaneous writing, expressive chromatics, balance between structure and freedom of gesture.
The transparencies of the watercolor and the reserves of the paper bring light and depth. It sits in the continuity of his research where printmaking and washes feed a painting that is increasingly fluid and sensorial.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Academy of Leuven (Leuven) and Brussels, then at La Cambre. After an Expressionist start influenced by Permeke, he moved in 1947 toward abstraction.
Active member of Jeune Peinture Belge (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-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 flexible writing style, and expressive chromatics. In 1950, a state grant enabled him to work at Atelier 17 of Stanley William Hayter in Paris.
His watercolors, engravings, and paintings are held in numerous Belgian and international public collections, notably the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
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
Signature: Monogrammed “RM” at the bottom right.
Total dimensions (including mat):
54.5 × 42 cm
Sold with its original mat
Sold unframed
Condition: Good overall condition of the watercolor. Fresh colors, preserved transparencies and contrasts. The paper retains its texture and luminosity. The original mat shows imperfections and stains, noted.
A beautiful watercolor by René Mels, executed around 1960, during a period of full maturity of his lyrical abstraction.
The composition centers on a warm, earthy palette: golden yellows, ochres, and browns predominate, crossed by dark purplish masses and lighter, almost milky washes.
Denser, almost calligraphic strokes structure the space without freezing it. The broad flat areas superimpose on fluid drips and sperm-like, more nerve-like gestures. Organic shapes and deep stains dialog with luminous reserves, allusively evoking a landscape or an autumnal atmosphere, without ever leaving the realm of abstraction.
This piece well illustrates Mels’ exploration in the 1960s: spontaneous writing, expressive chromatics, balance between structure and freedom of gesture.
The transparencies of the watercolor and the reserves of the paper bring light and depth. It sits in the continuity of his research where printmaking and washes feed a painting that is increasingly fluid and sensorial.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) trained at the Academy of Leuven (Leuven) and Brussels, then at La Cambre. After an Expressionist start influenced by Permeke, he moved in 1947 toward abstraction.
Active member of Jeune Peinture Belge (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-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 flexible writing style, and expressive chromatics. In 1950, a state grant enabled him to work at Atelier 17 of Stanley William Hayter in Paris.
His watercolors, engravings, and paintings are held in numerous Belgian and international public collections, notably the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
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
