Artist: Claus Bertermann Official website: www.bertermann.art Claus Bertermann is an internationally established contemporary artist whose market profile is backed by exceptional secondary market results based on international market authority. Known for his powerful, large-format abstract works, Bertermann has consistently commanded high-tier prices at the world’s most prestigious auction houses. His top realized prices include €18,900 at C. h. r. i. s. t. i. e´s Paris (Retro Zen), €15,240 at S. o. t. h. e. b. y´s Cologne (F5TP#CB), and €15,120 at C. h. r. i. s. t. i. e´s Paris (Whispershade). With additional successful sales at V. a. n. H. a. m, A. r. t. c. u. r. i. a. l, T. a. j. a. n, and D. o. r. o. t. h. e. u. m, Bertermann’s work is a proven asset for serious collectors worldwide. From Architectural Abstraction to the Human Form With a Master’s degree in Architecture (TU Munich), Bertermann originally gained global recognition for his "architectural strata" technique—layering and scraping oil paint to build spatial depth. Today, he brings this same structural intensity to his figurative practice. His figurative works are not mere depictions but explorations of presence and transience, blending his architectural precision with a raw, Neo-Expressionist energy. A Global Footprint With more than 1,000 large format works in private and institutional collections across the globe—including a monumental triptych at his alma mater, the Technical University of Munich—Bertermann continues to bridge the gap between rigorous structure and intuitive freedom. His debut on Catawiki offers a rare opportunity to acquire original figurative works from an artist with a solidified international auction record. Important details for collectors – Original, one-of-a-kind artwork - MADE BY A REAL PERSON, NOT AI. – Size: 130 × 150 cm (51.2 × 59.1 inches) – Medium: Acrylic and oil crayon on canvas – Year: 2026 – Signed by the artist on the front and back side – Ships rolled without frame Nice Try is a unique, one-of-a-kind figurative painting by contemporary artist Claus Bertermann, executed in acrylic and oil crayon on canvas. The work presents a psychologically charged confrontation between two figures seated across a table, surrounded by cards, glasses, and symbolic elements. What makes this piece distinctive is its layered narrative: a partially visible Ace of Hearts is hidden under one sleeve, while another Ace of Hearts already lies on the table. This paradox renders the attempted deception unusable — turning advantage into constraint. A Bitcoin placed on the table is ironically used as a “proof of stake,” despite Bitcoin itself operating on proof of work — a deliberate conceptual contradiction reinforcing themes of misapplied systems, perceived value, and structural imbalance. The title carries deliberate irony, addressing both the presumed victim and the would-be cheater, leaving open the question of who has actually won and who has already lost without realizing it. The work is in excellent studio condition. Colors are vibrant and expressive, with raw gestural passages balanced by architectural structure. The composition combines emotional immediacy with spatial clarity, informed by Bertermann’s background as an architect trained at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His figurative works draw influence from German Expressionism and Art Brut, introducing narrative tension as a counterpoint to his abstract practice. Why it is worth the price This artwork represents Bertermann’s evolving figurative language at museum scale. His works have been placed internationally, including through major auction houses such as S. o. t. h. e. b. y´s and C. h. r. i. s. t. i. e´s. The size, technical complexity, and conceptual strength make this a significant collector piece from a rapidly developing contemporary practice. Description and condition Executed in acrylic and oil crayon on canvas, the surface shows intentional texture, visible strokes, and layered pigments. Colors are vibrant and saturated, with strong contrasts and graphic detailing. The painting is in excellent studio condition and is offered unframed. The canvas includes an additional continuous white border of approximately 10 cm (approx. 4 inches) on all sides beyond the painted surface. This margin allows the artwork to be professionally restretched on museum-quality stretcher bars up to 5 cm (approx. 2 inches) in depth, resulting in a clean, frameless, gallery-style presentation without the need for a decorative frame. Please note that the artwork is sold unframed and without stretcher bars. Professional stretching is the responsibility of the buyer. The painting is shipped rolled for safe international transport and flexible installation according to the buyer’s preference. The artwork is signed on both front and reverse, with title, year, and the artist’s full name inscribed on the back.