René Mels (1909-1977) - Composition abstraite 1965
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Estimate € 300 - € 380
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René Mels, a 1965 original abstract watercolour titled Composition abstraite 1965, monogrammed with an 'M' and measuring 41.7 × 30.5 cm, was created in Belgium in the 1960s and is in good condition.
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Description from the seller
Payment required before the evening of October 25. No shipments possible from October 26 for nearly 3 weeks (absence).
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René Mels (1909-1977) – Abstract composition – Circa 1965 – Watercolor – Monogrammed
René Mels (1909-1977)
Abstract composition
Watercolor on paper, circa 1965
Signature: Monogrammed “M” in the bottom right corner.
Verso blank, apart from a few small studio marks and a small paint spill at the top.
Dimensions: 41.7 × 30.5 cm
Sold unframed
Condition
Beautiful sheet, colors vivid and well preserved. Paper slightly aged, some light handling creases and normal studio marks. No significant loss visible. The recto remains clean, bright, and expressive. See photos.
Description
Gestural watercolor by René Mels, created around 1965, at the heart of his lyrical period.
The composition is organized into large colored masses that intersect and overlap. On the left, pink and red verticals; in the center, horizontal green streaks; on the right and top, large blue areas, from light blue to deep blue.
Some more intense red accents structure the middle. The white of the paper remains largely present, giving air and rhythm to the whole.
The gesture is free, almost calligraphic: brushstrokes are visible, transparencies and overlays create depth.
It reflects Mels’ writing freedom in the 1960s, between pure abstraction and organic suggestion (vegetation, calligraphy, movement).
A living and decorative work, typical of the artist’s chromatic and gestural maturity during this period.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) studied at the Academies of Leuven and Brussels, then at La Cambre. After an early expressionist phase influenced by Permeke, he moved toward abstraction as early as 1947.
An active member of Young Belgian Painting (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels), he joined the group Abstract Art in 1952 and co-founded Cap d’encre in 1963. His work is characterized by a focus on construction, flexible writing, and expressive chromaticism.
In 1950, a state grant allowed him to work at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17 in Paris. His watercolors, engravings, pastels, and paintings are in numerous public Belgian and international collections, notably at 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 TranslatePayment required before the evening of October 25. No shipments possible from October 26 for nearly 3 weeks (absence).
——
René Mels (1909-1977) – Abstract composition – Circa 1965 – Watercolor – Monogrammed
René Mels (1909-1977)
Abstract composition
Watercolor on paper, circa 1965
Signature: Monogrammed “M” in the bottom right corner.
Verso blank, apart from a few small studio marks and a small paint spill at the top.
Dimensions: 41.7 × 30.5 cm
Sold unframed
Condition
Beautiful sheet, colors vivid and well preserved. Paper slightly aged, some light handling creases and normal studio marks. No significant loss visible. The recto remains clean, bright, and expressive. See photos.
Description
Gestural watercolor by René Mels, created around 1965, at the heart of his lyrical period.
The composition is organized into large colored masses that intersect and overlap. On the left, pink and red verticals; in the center, horizontal green streaks; on the right and top, large blue areas, from light blue to deep blue.
Some more intense red accents structure the middle. The white of the paper remains largely present, giving air and rhythm to the whole.
The gesture is free, almost calligraphic: brushstrokes are visible, transparencies and overlays create depth.
It reflects Mels’ writing freedom in the 1960s, between pure abstraction and organic suggestion (vegetation, calligraphy, movement).
A living and decorative work, typical of the artist’s chromatic and gestural maturity during this period.
Biography
René Mels (René Meulemans, 1909-1977) studied at the Academies of Leuven and Brussels, then at La Cambre. After an early expressionist phase influenced by Permeke, he moved toward abstraction as early as 1947.
An active member of Young Belgian Painting (exhibitions 1947-1948 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts of Brussels), he joined the group Abstract Art in 1952 and co-founded Cap d’encre in 1963. His work is characterized by a focus on construction, flexible writing, and expressive chromaticism.
In 1950, a state grant allowed him to work at Stanley William Hayter’s Atelier 17 in Paris. His watercolors, engravings, pastels, and paintings are in numerous public Belgian and international collections, notably at 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
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Owner or reseller
Edition
Original
Artist
René Mels (1909-1977)
Title of artwork
Composition abstraite 1965
Technique
Watercolour painting
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Belgium
Year
1965
Condition
Good condition
Height
41.7 cm
Width
30.5 cm
Style
Abstract
Period
1960-1970
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